Children's Day

[Editor]

Children’s Day at Carnival takes place on the Bank Holiday Sunday every year with the emphasis on family, with a shorter Carnival route reserved for young people and kids.

Bands and performers that appear on this day are all under 21 and sites around the Carnival are reserved for activities aimed at the younger generation, making Sunday the Carnival’s most colourful and friendly day, with families and friends enjoying the entertainment and kids learning about the traditions and culture surrounding the event.

Every year future generation of Carnvalists put on a show to rival their adult counterparts, with costumes as impressive and music just as accomplished, with the added bonus of looking much cuter!

The day tends to be much quieter and, historically speaking, safer than the famous Monday celebrations, so it’s the obvious choice for families and those intimidated by large crowds.

As well as the play areas for small children, young adults are catered for too with competitions aimed at young musicians and Masqueraders as well as special events and areas. Young people are given a chance to work with adults involved in the Carnival’s organisation, from musicians to costume designers and performers in the run up to the event, creating their own items to showcase and teaching them about the traditions of Carnival and encouraging them to continue to stage the event year after year.

Children’s Day also sees J’Ouvert open the celebrations. Probably the weekend’s most traditional event, Jouvert signals the start of any Caribbean Carnival with music and more along the Carnival route.


Children’s Day Line Up | 24 August 2008:

J’Ouvert
Steelbands participate in a procession to mark the official opening of the 2008 Notting Hill Carnival. Revellers daub paint and mud on themselves as a traditional way of driving away demons.
Location: Processions start at the junction of Ladbroke Grove and Kensal Road.
Time: 6am – 10am

Notting Hill Carnival Children’s day parade
Europe’s biggest celebration of music, movement and masquerade. Active participation from young people is encouraged. On the Road Junior Costume Competition (several categories including King, Queen and Best Band)
Time: 10am – 9pm

[pickles]

I may be over the ripe old age of 30, but i still rate children's day as the best day of carnival. still got all the atmosphere and party vibe of monday, but not QUITE soooo packed, easier to move around all the sound systems, dance down the streets with the procession, and you have monday to recover :)

[stephanie vaz]

ya i love childrens day esp cause i grew up with carnival. you will rlly notice the difference from childrens day carnival and the adults. the best part is getting your face painted. we go to this place on colville road you cant miss it.

[Kathy]

yea i hear that childrens day is the best i always go to the adult one with my family