History was created this year at the Notting Hill Carnival when veteran costume designer Gwyneth Squires presented her production Silver Jubilee as part of her 25th anniversary celebration.
The sun was shining and North London was rocking on August 30 to the sounds of internationally recognised soca band krosfyah, which was also performing at the carnival for the first time.
The Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) took part in its first Notting Hill Festival under the directorship of Winston Dottin from the Barbados Carnival Committee.
London’s most popular annual carnival boasts 20 miles of vibrant colourful costumes and astonishing floats, traditional steel bands and over two million party people from all over the globe.
This year, about 200 people joined the Barbados float, jumping to the live band, as well as to DJs Mr Fixit and The Rickster.
The carnival production was hosted by the BTA in partnership with British Airways, Virgin Holidays and Cockspur UK.
Also joining the Barbados Tourism Authority revellers were top selling travel agents from across Britain, who won a place to jump with the Bajans at Notting Hill as a part of the BTAs The Big One incentive. The agents were also treated to accommodation at Hilton Hotel in Kensington, London.
The Bajan revellers and the carnival committee were treated to sumptuous Bajan lunch prepared by caterers Just Delicious, which included a selection of Bajan delicacies, as well as a wide range of drinks that included rum punch and Bajan mauby.
The contingent from Barbados, a popular holiday destination for British holidaymakers, was well received by the crowds along the route, and several Bajans and friends joined in and jumped behind the band.
The Barbados Tourism Authority sees this venture as one of the many avenues used to continue the effort to generate interest among those in the diaspora. (PR)
