Carnival without the crowds

11 April 2012
The Weekender

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If you can't face the crushing crowds at the Notting Hill Carnival over the bank holiday weekend, there is another way to see the show.

The Carnival gala, staged in Wembley a week earlier than the main event itself, is not only a dry-run for the big day, but also lets the judges take a look at the contenders.

British athlete Darren Campbell told us why he'd be there.

"I have missed Carnival the past few years because I'm an athlete and it's clashed with competitions abroad. But when I've been in the country I've always gone. For me, the best bit is that people come from all over and Carnival brings them all together. I live in Cardiff now but especially when I lived in Manchester it was one of those occasions that everybody looked forward to. All the different music, all the different floats and, of course, all those amazing costumes.

"What a lot of people don't realise is that when you go to Carnival you don't see the full costumes as they were originally created - their extravagant design and weight means they can't be carried all the way around the long route. When I was nine I went to the gala, which is held a week before Carnival, and this is where to see the costumes in their full glory, and where the Carnival King and Queen are chosen.

"It is a spectacular event. It's a shame that a lot of people don't know about it because it is not really publicised. Mind you, it always seems busy when you get there. So much thought has gone into the costumes - people plan them from the year before, that's how important this event is to them. This is the one occasion where they are able to shine in front of the rest of the country, and I really don't think you should miss it.

"When it comes to Carnival itself, I think too much is made of the trouble that can sometimes happen. Every Carnival around the world attracts some trouble. I think we should celebrate the fact that we do have a Carnival that is admired all around the world."

Western Union Notting Hill Carnival Gala, Sat 18 Aug, noon-midnight, Wembley Conference Centre, Stadium Way, Wembley, Middx (020-8964 0544).

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