For London’s carnivalists, Horniman’s Pleasance is associated with Panorama, but head there on Saturday 12 August and you’ll find a wonderful variety of family-oriented entertainment.
The sixth Notting Hill Carnival Pioneers Community Festival is the first to be held at the famous park in Kensal Road. This year’s event is under the patronage of the High Commissioners of Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, and it pays tribute to the Windrush 70 pioneers and to the legendary Duke Vin.
Flying the flag for calypso will be King Socrates, from St Kitts & Nevis, who has delighted audiences at the London Calypso Tent on many occasions, and there’ll be a PA from De Alberto. Giving a foretaste of the steelpan feast to come will be Mangrove Steelband. Listen out, too, for a performance by pan soloist Dexter Joseph and the best in soca from Smokey Joe.
Victor Romero Evans, Carroll Thompson, Janet Kay are among a stellar cast performing on stage. Other attractions include the venerable Sir Coxsone Outernational and One Love sound systems. Their inclusion is particularly appropriate, as the Pioneers Festival was the brainchild of Leslie Palmer MBE, who made history by introducing sounds to Notting Hill Carnival.
The event is free and runs from 1pm to 10pm, and includes food, cocktail bars and craft stalls.
