Its the time of the year when the school summer holidays are drawing to a close. If your kids have not returned to school they will in a matter of weeks. The summer bank holiday is here and conveniently means that many people would have gotten paid early. It also means summer is drawing to a close. However why not go out and enjoy yourself Caribbean style.

Both Leeds and London are hosting their annual caribbean carnival this weekend. London’s Notting Hill carnival goes back to 1965 and has been held every year since. Immigrants from the Caribbean faced racism all over the UK. The west indian folk of Notting Hill decided to celebrate the tradition to bring the community together and forget about the negatives. Sunday will host the children’s day and parade followed by the Monday which caters to more adults. The lady said to be the founder of London carnival was honoured with a plaque. Please read more about Ms Jones here.

Over in the midlands Leeds’ carnival will equally be as busy. It may not draw in the millions that London does, however it does pull a huge crowd and continues to grow year by year. 2008 sees Leeds’ Caribbean carnival celebrating its 41st year. Like London, sunday and monday are covered.

Expect to see colourful costumes, music from the caribbean and Diaspora, plenty of food and drink. Not to mention all ages having a good time. I pray that both carnivals are peaceful and no violence occurs.

To get you in the mood here is a video from soca greats Destra and Machel a classic song Carnival

I used to go to about 4 or 5 carnivals each summer across the UK. My love for such events have changed. Been there done that. Maybe I need to go to T and T and experience a serious carnival.

Read more about London carnival here and here and also

Read more about Leeds carnival here.