Transport for London (TfL) and bus operator Metroline will be joining forces with community group Phoenix Rising to celebrate Caribbean culture and heritage at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival.
On Sunday 24 August, a specially wrapped London bus will take part in the parade, joined by around 150 TfL staff and steel pan music from St Michael and All Angels Steel Orchestra, part of the Phoenix Rising charity.
Phoenix Rising, based in Brent, provides support, guidance and skill development to disadvantaged people in northwest London. The charity also helps people of all ages and abilities learn the steel pan, building confidence and performance skills.
This year’s Carnival will run across the August Bank Holiday weekend on Sunday 24 and Monday 25 August, with large crowds expected. TfL has said stations close to the parade, including Paddington, Notting Hill Gate, Shepherd’s Bush and Westbourne Park, will be decorated to mark the event. Passengers are being advised to use Paddington station where possible, as it is only a 20-minute walk from the parade.
Emma Strain, TfL’s Customer Director, said: “For many years Notting Hill Carnival has represented London’s diverse culture and strong Caribbean links; a community which is an integral part of TfL’s history. That’s why we are really excited to partner with Phoenix Rising to showcase Caribbean inspired steel pan music as part of this year’s Carnival on one of our iconic buses.
“We hope everyone attending has a great weekend. Stations around the Carnival are likely to get extremely busy so please plan journeys in advance using the free TfL Go app or using our dedicated travel advice page on the TfL website.”
Patrick McKay, Phoenix Rising’s St. Michael and All Angels Steel Orchestra Lead, said:
“At Phoenix Rising we believe that everyone deserves the support and the provision of opportunities to thrive in life. Though our participation in Europe’s largest street festival London’s (NHC), St Michael & All Angels Steel Orchestra, has enabled the Caribbean inspired steel pan artists, the opportunity to perform to the millions of attendees, inspiring the confidence, to aspire, and achieve.”
Sean O’Shea, CEO of Metroline, added: “We are proud to support Transport for London and Phoenix Rising at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival in celebration of London’s Caribbean community who have played a key role both in Metroline’s workforce and the communities we serve over many years.”
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