OCTOBER | COVER FEATURE
We're a not for profit, but we do seek brand partnerships and
welcome the conversations. It's important we maintain a balance,
and are mindful of unsuitable brand associations. We're looking
to secure a headline sponsor, but they must be the right partner
that upholds our values. We're the largest community led event in
the world so there's a big responsibility. Certainly there's a fine line
between being commercial and public funding while growing the
event in artistic quality.
We're not in the market for bigger artists. Our aim is to attract
more grassroots acts, and find ways to make the carnival a
platform for these people. We provide a way for artists to get used
to working with big crowds. It's not an event that needs a headline
act. We get the odd big act pop up but that's impromptu. It must
stay in the community and give younger people and designers a
chance. We welcome organisations aboard that nurture talent and
support this aim.
PHOTO: ORVILLE FARRELL
WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT THIS YEAR?
Every person experiences a different journey, but there was an
increase in children's bands, and it was great seeing the future of
the carnival shaping up. That's where I began, in a steel band, so it's
great to support the next generation.
WHAT BIG ORGANISATIONAL CHALLENGES CAME OUT OF THE
BLUE?
We've only been organising since 2018 as a company, but I've been
involved from a young age so I'm not coming in unexperienced.
There's always different logistical challenges that cover all the
areas of our expertise, but we have such a broad range of skills in
our team with many people involved since the event’s inception.
IN WHAT WAYS IS THE EVENT REDEFINING ITSELF?
The event is becoming more free to roam with greater
opportunities for talent to participate and it is becoming
increasingly easy to navigate over the two days. It will never
become a stand alone festival in a green field; it's about bringing
people together in the streets of Notting Hill.
APP-APPEAL
Notting Hill Carnival collaborated with Second Screen to create an
app for the event which provides event information, live tracking
of floats in the parade, and dietary information on every food stall.
Toilets, stages, sound systems and quiet areas were also
highlighted in one of two maps.
On the eve of Carnival, at the annual Panorama steel band
competition, app-users voted for their favourite band, and a
Peoples’ Favourite was crowned from the results.
Second Screen has also facilitated collaborations between
Carnival and Adidas, who will be providing footwear to all 320
community stewards over the weekend, and Innocent, who
will transform Powis Square into a relaxed area away from the
excitement of Carnival.
The Notting Hill Carnival app features a news feed for
Carnivalists to meet and share photos and videos, as well as
‘Carnival stickers’ on the in-app camera. Carnival organisers also
sent out event updates through app notifications.
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