Notting Hill Carnival ‘means freedom to me’

Notting Hill Carnival has arrived, taking over the August Bank Holiday once again. Subscribe ► http://bit.ly/subscribegdn Now in its sixth decade, it’s the largest festival of its kind in Europe - a vibrant celebration of Black British culture and a cornerstone of London’s identity. Each year, it draws crowds from across the world with its spectacular parades, powerful sound systems, and dazzling mas (masquerade) bands. This year, Kensington and Chelsea council and Westminster city council have allocated an extra £1m to improve safety, following recommendations from an independent review. We spoke to our colleague Mel Christian, who has been part of Carnival for most of her life, to get a behind-the-scenes look at the months of preparation that go into the mas bands - and to hear what the festival means to her. For more stories on Black life and culture, sign up to the Guardian’s Long Wave newsletter for free ► https://ift.tt/Usucnd8