“Carnival is one of London’s cultural highlights, a weekend of celebrations that is eagerly anticipated by Londoners and visitors to the capital. London has a thriving Caribbean population and the carnival is a unique opportunity to sample the sounds, tastes, fashion, floats, dance and creativity from the 19 islands in the Caribbean.” -- London Mayor Ken Livingstone

 Mayor Livingstone is hosting the 2nd annual Caribbean Showcase in Hyde Park in 2006.  Read more of the mayor's statement here

  The  folks at the Royal Borough of Kesington & Chelsea are working hard to be good hosts. Click for their 2006 guide which includes key pre-planning data like most accurate Sound System locations and the porta potty scheme.

Carnaval is a season of getting ready for the big day when we all come together in celebration and joy. The ABC Stars have prepared some special songs just for this season. Catch a wave of excitement and anticipation by attending one of their calypso competitions.

“It is saying in different words what we in TT have as our national motto ‘Together we aspire together we achieve.’ This is what the carnival effort signifies.” -- Glenda Morean Phillip, Trinidad & Tobago's High Commissioner

The ABC Stars are enjoying  the distinguished patronage of the
High Commissioner this season. They are Helena B, Mighty Tiger, Cloak, Wen'D, Alexander D Great, Admiral Jack, Clivus, G String, Cleopatra, Brown Sugar,Peace & Love, Explorer, and The ABC Junior monarch'Latifah' plus a host of others.

Commisioner Morean-Phillip launched the 42nd annual Notting Hill carnival with a special tribute to the Soca Warriors and their spirited campaign at the FIFA World Cup football finals in the Summer of 2006.

Aspiring and Achieving in Unity has been chosen as this year’s official Carnival theme for two reasons. Firstly, because the euphoria of the decision to hold the 2012 Olympics in London (which was announced the day before the 7/7 terror attacks) showed what Londers can achieve when they are united. The organizers believe that no better event shows this spirit of unity than Notting Hill Carnival.

Secondly, the purpose of the 2006 theme is to highlight the aspirations and achievements of the young black communty, which is so often portrayed in the the mainstream media as being at war with itself.

“Carnival 2006 promises to cap off this wonderful summer with an event showcasing the multi-cultural splendour of the Capital. It is also important that youngsters in the black community in London unite together.” - Professor Chris Mullard

Carnival season begins in 2006 with the launch of the London Calypso Tent on Friday, July 28. Also on Friday 11th, Friday 18th, Thursday 24th, Friday 25th. Located at Yaa Asantewaa Arts & Community Centre, 1 Chippenham Mews, W9 2AN. More at londoncalypsotent.com.

19th Saturday & 20th Sunday: Carnival Splash at Alexandria Palace (Alexandria Palace Way, Wood Green, London N22 7AY). Organized by Notting Hill Mas Bands Association, this is a chance to see the colorful costumes before they hit the streets of Notting Hill.

25th Friday: Beginning of Carnival weekend with the Calypso Monarch Finals, located at the London Calypso Tent.

26th Saturday: Panorama "Champions of Steel" competition located at Kensai Road, Ladbroke Grove W10, and ABC Children in the Park, located at Powis Square W11.

27th Sunday: Jouvert Morning 6am. Led by the Brittish Associations of Steelbands (BAS), the procession leaves from Sainsbury's car park. Sunday is also Children's Carnival.

28th Monday: End of Carnival season. Adults carnival with 2 million expected on the streets of West London.

A list 40-odd of the Static Sound Systems can be found here. Some of the music you can hear includes reggae, dub, ska, techno, house, drum & bass, hip-hop, soca, salsa, dancehall and more.

Every year, over one million hours go into labour among the 50 or so bands that compete for Best Mas on the Road. 2006 Mas Band List