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Carnival traces the origins and development of what is now Europe's largest street party, which started out in 1959 as a response to the worst racial violence the streets of London had ever seen.
Immigrants from the then British colonies had been invited to the UK to live and work after World War Two, coming to a shattered country in desperate need of reconstruction. But with this immigration came the threat of racial tensions.
The Notting Hill Carnival began when more than 100 Caribbean Londoners came together to establish a cultural festival, using music and dance in a show of harmony. Now, in Carnival the award-winning Don Letts tells the incredible story of the multicultural celebration that attracts more than a million people to London every year.
With a balanced mix of reality and history, Carnival brings together previously unseen archive footage, an eclectic soundtrack and interviews with the likes of DJ Norman Jay, broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald, TV presenter Miquita Oliver, former Soul2Soul frontman Jazzie B and Paul Simonon of The Clash.
Charting the evolution of Carnival from a West Indian calypso party to the emergence of popular sound systems including Norman Jay's famous Good Times, this unique and insightful documentary brings to light how this event has become a true expression of London's diversity.
Director Don Letts spoke to Saga's Andy Stevens and explained why the Notting Hill Carnival remains so special to him:
What are your earliest memories of Carnival?
I guess it was in the early '70s when I first went. It was a confusing concept and didn't really mean anything particularly to me at that time. It was more for our parents, who went there before us. I'm first generation black British, and Carnival became a place where we asserted the duality of ourselves.
How would you say it has evolved over the years?
Well, the evolution of Carnival traces the racial journey of the UK. It's a cultural barometer, but maybe in some ways its lost its original meaning. Now it's just a great party - and there's nothing wrong with that; there's always a good reason to have a great party. But it's important that people don't forget its original significance: that is to help along other people who need a helping hand. It's a party with a conscience, that welcomes all nationalities. You never know, next year we might start to see Polish floats in the procession.
How has Notting Hill itself changed since the early days of Carnival? Can you give us a snapshot of the area in the late '50s and '60s?
It's always traditionally been a mixed immigrant area - first Irish, then Greek, then West Indian. I'd say though that in some ways gentrification has ruined the nation. Maybe some of the interesting bohemian people have gone from the area, but Notting Hill and Ladbroke Grove have always had a unique identity. It's still a very interesting place.
What does Carnival say about modern London? Does it still speak to the whole community?
Carnival signposts the way black culture has changed this country for ever and, I'd say for the better. It's borne out of struggle and conflict.
Tell us a bit about the documentary. What can we expect to see?
You'll see where and when it all started. Surprisingly that was at St Pancras Town Hall in 1959 - in the winter! Then Carnival moved around for a few years before moving to Notting Hill in the mid '60s. The documentary charts its journey, its history and background.
Do you still think there's a fresh energy and dynamism to the event? How has it managed to avoid the claws of the corporates? There was talk about Carnival being moved to Hyde Park a couple of years back, which was quashed.
It is still dynamic. Every generation needs and creates its own soundtrack. Twenty years ago it was hip-hop, now it's musical genres such as dubstep and grime.
What are your personal best and worst memories of Carnival? What about the infamous flashpoint years, such as 1976?
Well, that wasn't a black and white thing, but a wrong and right thing. At the time we had the hated SUS (stop and search) laws. The media created it as a racial situation but it wasn't.
Where do you see Carnival going in the future? Is its future safe? After all there have been violent incidents in recent years which could have threatened its existence.
The power of culture to unite people remains. More so than politics; culture is more effective, I think. Carnival's founder Claudia Jones in the mid '50s realised this potential to unite. In today's culture the racial thing is a complex issue. It's worth remembering that Notting Hill is not just a London story but UK-wide; other cities have their own fantastic carnivals. Notting Hill started all that.
What are you looking forward to most about this year's event? Do you have a favourite sound system, such as the legendary Norman Jay?
The tip is always to try and find a cool spot. I live there so I'm lucky that I never miss it. Even so, you can't get anywhere near Norman (Jay's Good Times sound system). I recommend that a bit like in life you stand and stare and let it pass you buy!
Finally, we hear that your band Big Audio Dynamite are reforming. Can you give me any more details?
I can't confirm or deny that at the moment. I would love to, though - I'd do it in a shot. Mick's (Jones) involved with the Gorillaz thing at the moment so we'll have to see.
Carnival has its UK Premiere on Saturday August 28, 2010 at 8pm, exclusively on Blighty TV (Sky Channel 534 / Virgin TV Channel 206). It is repeated on Sunday August 29 at 9pm.