Notting Hill Carnival has been a firm fixture in the capital’s calendar since it started in 1966. But what happens when the people there in those early days grow older? Are they expected to have lost their party spirit and sit out the festivities? Age UK Kensington & Chelsea don’t think so – and put on a special event of their own. Watch the video to share in the fun.
The event took place on the Thursday before Notting Hill Carnival at Portobello Green, near to the market, and featured live performances, food, face painting and lots of dancing.
“It’s the first time we’ve put on a carnival like this, so it’s been very exciting,” says Ximena Chiesa, Activities & Events Team Leader at Age UK Kensington & Chelsea. “A lot of our members had suggested they were the legacy of the carnival, but they didn’t feel part of it anymore, as it seemed more focused on younger people. They asked if there was anything we could do to capture the fun of the carnival and was respectful of the history of the event, especially for older people. So that's what we did!”