Anguilla’s musicians took to the stage at London’s Notting Hill Carnival over the August Bank Holiday. The collaboration of Boss, Pantha and the Horse Power Band was a great success as they played to a lively crowd at Notting Hill Carnival, with sets on the World Music Stage on the Sunday and Monday of the event.
The Notting Hill Carnival takes place in London every year on the last bank holiday weekend in August and is Europe’s biggest street party. The carnival started in 1964 as a way for the Afro-Caribbean communities of London to celebrate their diverse culture and music. The event is now attended by over a million visitors every year, with many travelling from around the world to join the iconic celebration.
Boss, Pantha & the Horse Power Band took the stage on Sunday 28th August, on the World Music Stage on Powis Square. The square was a haven for varied music with calypso and Soca performances by the Association of British Calypsonians, visiting international calypsonians, emerging artists of other genres and various other performances.
They performed for a second time on Monday 29th August for the Grand Finale where they entertained huge crowds, once again from Powis Square.
This is the second year that Boss, Pantha & the Horse Power Band have collaborated together at the carnival. This has been down to Christina Brooks-Abraham and her passion to see Anguilla musicians to be recognised for their talent. Christina said; “There has been a lot of hard work behind the scenes over the years to get a slot last year and
as a result of that they were invited back again for the Notting Hill Carnival 50 Years celebration. The band had a huge amount of support from Anguillians who came from all over the UK enjoying their home island band, alongside the amazing crowd that packed Powis Square to see them perform.”
Carolyn Brown the ATB UK representative said; “The bands are incredible ambassadors for Anguilla and really showcased the talent that Anguilla has. We were pleased to be able to assist in their presence at Notting Hill Carnival 2016 and to see such a huge turn out and crowd appreciation.
Anguilla’s flag was very prominent on both days with many people asking about the island, it created a talking point alongside the bands performance.”
Anguilla musician who performed at Notting Hill Carnival 2016, 50 Years celebration:
Albert (Boss) Brooks
Lanvol (Pantha) Hughes
Jeffrey Jennings
Leonard Richardson
Daniel Connor
Kerwyn Goddard
Floyd Gibbon
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
