As Notting Hill Carnival returns, we’re reflecting on the history behind one of Britain’s most important celebrations of Black British and Black British-Caribbean culture. Its roots can be traced back to Claudia Jones, the Trinidadian-born activist, journalist, and founder of the West Indian Gazette. Following the 1958 Notting Hill Race Riots, Jones organised a Caribbean Carnival at St Pancras Town Hall in 1959, creating a space for community, culture, and joy in the face of racism and hostility.
The Carnival we know today also grew from the Notting Hill Street Festival, organised by community activist Rhaune Laslett in 1966. Over the decades, it has become one of the world’s largest celebrations of Caribbean culture, and the largest street festival in Europe.
At its heart, Notting Hill Carnival is a reminder of the power of community to turn adversity into celebration, and of the importance of protecting and celebrating Black British history.
This year, Yinka is excited to be partnering with K West hotel for a special Notting Hill Carnival takeover, bringing his signature approach to colour, joy and cultural storytelling into the hotel experience. Yinka has worked with the team to create a Carnival stay filled with specially curated design touches, alongside a limited-edition Caribbean food and drinks offering at Flock Restaurant & Bar.
The celebrations continue on 30 August with Yinka and Friends: Carnival Afterparty, running from 8pm-2am. He will be joined by Kenyan DJ Blinky Bill, who will be taking over the decks for a night of music, dancing and good energy inspired by the spirit of Carnival. You can buy tickets for the afterparty here.
Hotel Indigo K West Carnival Stay Package Available for stays between 29-31 August, including:
- An overnight stay for two, including breakfast, in a premium room featuring Yinka's design touches
- A post-Carnival recovery kit to help you recharge after the celebrations
- Two hand fans designed by Yinka, perfect for keeping cool during Carnival weekend
- A curated map of some of Yinka's favourite Carnival spots, so you can experience the weekend his way
- Two tickets to Yinka and Friends: Carnival Afterparty on 30 August
- One complimentary cocktail each at the afterparty
For Yinka, Carnival has always been about community, creativity, culture, music and joy. He wanted this experience to capture that energy and bring a little more of it into the hotel. Come and celebrate with Yinka, and let's make this Carnival one to remember.
