The Makers Of Carnival
Notting Hill carnival is one of the most exciting, creative and invigorating events of the year, a place where passion and expression come alive within a sense of community and spirit.
This year Red Stripe have teamed up with legendary photographer Pennie Smith to hero the true creators of the Notting Hill Carnival.
Eight ‘makers’ have been chosen from Notting Hill Carnival. These heros are from the community, the people that really make it happen, not just the creatives and the dancers, but London Underground workers, caterers and even Policemen.
To make Notting Hill Carnival what it is, we need the makers, those who put the carnival before themselves and give everything to this passionate, creative community.
It takes colossal planning and dedication to bring the greatest carnival on earth to life, and these are the people who truly make that happen.
One of our favourite makers is Rosaria Gracia, a dancer and choreographer of the festival that has been involved for over a decade. Rosaria states that cultural diversity, and playfulness are what she loves most about the carnival, stating:
“Nothing is weird. It’s where the weird becomes the norm.”
But a decade of involvement and dedication is nothing to some makers. Take Police Commander Mick Johnson for example, he is the carnivals longest serving copper, which is no surprise since he has now taken part for 32 years, from 1980 to the present day. His passion for the community is so strong, he describes it as “a part of, not apart from”.
These incredible people are what makes Notting Hill Carnival so special, something that Pennie Smith and Red Stripe want to truly capture.
The Red Stripe Tumblr already has some fantastic behind the scenes images of Pennie Smith and the lead up to Notting Hill Carnival, along with plenty of fantastic Red Stripe content.
There is even set to be a Vice Noisey Guide to Notting Hill Carnival and film, so make sure you check it out!
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| James Joseph @jamesjosephLDN Editor In Chief |  |
| Merry Phillips @merry__p Photography Director |  |
| Stephanie Brown @faiiinted Arts Editor |  |
| Greg Allan @cra5hed Music Editor |  |
