Last weekend, many residents from Brent made their way to Notting Hill Carnival to celebrate culture, music and community.
I was delighted to join Jama Elmi as we walked through the vibrant streets of Ladbroke Grove and shared in the celebrations. Huge thanks to the Notting Hill Carnival Committee and all the grassroots organisers whose months of hard work made this incredible event possible.
I was thrilled to join Jama – a local legend known for his colourful suits – who brought so much joy to Carnival goers this year.
Hard to miss in his bright green suit on Sunday and his striking pink suit on Monday, he was constantly stopped along the way and loved nothing more than to “uplift people’s spirits”.
Cllr Ryan Hack was shown the sights of the Carnival by Jama Emli (Image: Cllr Ryan Hack) It was a real joy to be in his company as we walked through the vibrant streets of Ladbroke Grove and joined in the celebrations.
The Notting Hill Carnival is one of the world’s largest and most colourful street festivals, held every August bank holiday weekend in the heart of West London.
Rooted in the rich traditions of the Caribbean community, the carnival began in the 1960s as a celebration of culture, resilience, and unity. Today, it has grown into a spectacular showcase of music, dance, food, and artistic expression, drawing people of all ages and backgrounds.
I always look forward to joining the celebrations at Notting Hill Carnival. My family have been attending for years, and it is always a special occasion. The Irish and African-Caribbean communities have stood side by side in this area for decades, and the carnival is a joyful reminder of the friendships and shared spirit that bind our communities together.
The streets of Notting Hill come alive with vibrant parades, dazzling costumes, steel bands, and the unmistakable rhythms of calypso, Soca, reggae, and samba. Food stalls line the roads, offering everything from jerk chicken and roti to Caribbean desserts and tropical drinks.
Alongside the parades, sound systems provide world-class DJs and live performers, creating a unique mix of tradition and modernity.
Cllr Ryan Hack says Notting Hill Carnival is a symbol of multicultural London (Image: Brent Council) The carnival is more than just a celebration – it’s a symbol of multicultural London and a reminder of the contributions of the Caribbean community to the city’s social and cultural life. It promotes inclusivity, creativity, and togetherness while also delivering a significant boost to the local economy and tourism.
Each year, around two million visitors attend across the weekend, making it not only the largest street festival in Europe but also one of the most significant annual cultural events anywhere in the world.
For me, and for many, it is the highlight of London’s summer calendar – a joyful, unifying celebration of diversity and community spirit.
- Cllr Ryan Hack is the Mayor of Brent.