| Notting Hill Carnival Celebrates 40 years at Parliament |
| Tuesday, 10 August 2004 |
Nottinghill Carnival celebrated its 40th Anniversary at a Parliamentary reception hosted by David Lammy MP and Karen Buck MP on Wednesday 9th June 2004.
The Anniversary was also marked by a celebration in Trafalgar Square’s South West corner, where masqueraders were accompanied by a Steel Band, the traditional instrument of Carnival.
The event was sponsored by the London Development Agency and the Arts Council who both made presentations on the history and continued impact that Nottinghill Carnival has on London specifically and Britain in general.
David Lammy, Member of Parliament for Tottenham said “I am delighted to host this reception to celebrate 40 years of the Nottinghill Carnival. I have been going to Carnival since I was a young child. It is more than just a celebration of the West Indian contribution to British society, it has become an iconic celebration of multi-ethnicity at its best in Europe.”
He added, “The inclusivity of Carnival stands in stark contrast to the divisive message of the BNP. I am proud that Carnival represents the diversity of Britain and its people.”
Karen Buck, MP for Regent's Park & Kensington North said Carnival grew out of the experience of black Londoners in North Kensington and elsewhere, and now is the biggest event of its kind in Europe. The cultural, economic and political significance is enormous and it is right to celebrate the achievements of all those who make it possible.
Kevin Jones of Nottinghill Mas Bands Association said “I am delighted that David Lammy and Karen Buck have decided to host this reception at Parliament in recognition of Carnivals 40th anniversary, its contribution to the social, economic and overall vibe of London. This is a chance to celebrate those people past and present who have had such a vital role in its development.
I hope that this reception will highlight the benefits that Carnival brings to the people of London; and this event will act as a catalyst to encourage public funding sources to invest in the next 40 years through appropriate funding equal to Opera, Ballet and other recognised minority audience high art forms”.
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