Latest news with #StreetFestival
The Independent
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Notting Hill Carnival belongs in the streets, now more than ever
The largest street festival in Europe, Notting Hill Carnival, is in crisis. A celebration of Caribbean culture, the Carnival sees around two million people descend on the streets of Notting Hill every year during the August Bank Holiday weekend. But this year, due to a funding crisis and worries over its size, there are fears over whether it will take place at all. London's mayor, Sadiq Khan, has shared concerns raised by the Metropolitan Police about crushing at the event, saying that video footage of some of the crowds has 'frightened' him. He also drew comparisons to the potential for another Hillsborough disaster: no little matter for the lifelong Liverpool supporter. Notting Hill Carnival means a lot to me, as a second-generation Caribbean growing up in the UK. Originally held indoors at St Pancras Hall, it was established by Trinidadian activist Claudia Jones in 1959 as a response to the previous year's race riots. She created it to celebrate Caribbean culture and foster unity between Black and white people. A few years ago, when I appeared on an episode of Radio 4's 'Making History' and we were asked to nominate a person who should be featured on their plinth in London, I chose this woman. The outdoor festival, as we now know it, celebrates its 60th anniversary next year. I remember the loud music of Carnival, getting sticks of sugar cane to gnaw on, and the beautiful smell of Caribbean food permeating the air. I was transfixed by the colourful costumes, but most of all by the sight of Black and white people celebrating and dancing together. As a family, we would travel down to London to see my uncle Gus Philip, who was one half of Charlie Phillips' iconic 1967 photograph, Notting Hill Couple – showing a Black man and a white woman was symbolic because it was just this kind of image that fuelled the anger behind the riots. One of the ideas that has been floated about Carnival's future is moving it to Hyde Park and becoming a ticketed event. I find this suggestion offensive – Carnival is a street party based in the Caribbean tradition. As part of a safety report, Met Police reps have said no frontline officer looks forward to working the event due to the possibility of crushing, and the small criminal element that takes advantage of the large crowds to 'cause carnage'. Like so many public events, Carnival has been marred by violence, but this is particularly exaggerated in coverage. It's the only festival where any statement from the police begins with the number of crimes committed. This feels like a continuation of the criminalisation of the Caribbean community that created tension with the police in the first place. No one speaks about Glastonbury, Leeds or Reading in that way. It's an open street festival. Anything that happens near the Carnival or in the general area is attributed to it, and that's simply not accurate. Yet, however nostalgic one feels about it, and however much I hate the more racist commentary, the safety concerns raised do bother me. I can't help but think of the two little boys who are now growing up without their mother, Rebecca Ikumelo, after she was killed in a crush at Brixton Academy in 2023. Security guard Gaby Hutchinson also lost her life that night. Their families have put these deaths down to greed and are calling for the prosecution of those responsible. Hutchinson's family are taking legal action. This is the crux for me: if a disaster were to happen at Carnival, and any other people were left grieving for their family members, they wouldn't accept being told that safety concerns had been overlooked due to their race. But I don't want the environment to be changed, not least because the reasons for Carnival's very existence are still so present. Last year, we saw race riots across the UK, which were very similar to the ones that gave rise to Notting Hill Carnival in the first place. Carnival is about rebellion, celebration and reclamation of space. It belongs in the streets.
CBS News
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Philadelphia's Odunde Festival brings a piece of African culture to city streets
The 50th Odunde Festival returned to South Philadelphia this weekend as thousands took part in the event that celebrates African culture. Odunde is one of the largest African street festivals in the country, featuring more than 100 vendors offering African-inspired food, clothing, art and more. "I think it's phenomenal," said Pamela Hailey. CBS Philadelphia Hailey traveled from Charlotte, North Carolina, to attend Odunde for the first time. She said it's amazing to take part in an event that honors African heritage. "It's nice to celebrate that. It's a beautiful energy. It's a beautiful day," she said. "Each vendor has its own characteristics. It's just that one time to get the one thing that no one else has in the world from that one artist. It's just priceless." CBS Philadelphia Kevin Hudson has been a vendor for the past five years. He said it was great to see people from other cultures enjoy the festival. "It's a melting pot. You have people coming to have a good time. Different cultures meshing. It's like a melting pot. It's a nice way to bring people together," he said. Another festivalgoer, Isaiah, who now lives in Philadelphia, is Nigerian and said Odunde is something that brings him great pride. CBS Philadelphia "What it means for me is like heavily just rooted in Blackness and being African. It's great that other people come and enjoy the festival, but I think it's amazing to just have a space for us," he said. "To have something like this, I think, is hugely precious." He says he hopes the festival continues to grow.
CBS News
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Philadelphia's Odunde Festival, one of the largest African American street fests, turns 50 years old in 2025
The energy is building in South Philadelphia as organizers prepare to celebrate a golden milestone: the 50th anniversary of the Odunde Festival — one of the largest and longest-running African American street festivals in North America. Founded in 1975 by the late Lois Fernandez, the Odunde Festival began as a one-block celebration of African culture, tradition, and unity. Today, it spans 16 city blocks, welcomes over 500,000 attendees, and features more than 150 vendors from around the world. This year's festival officially takes place on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., centered around 23rd and South streets. A sacred procession kicks off at noon, followed by two live performance stages, a variety of cultural activities, and headlining performances from hip-hop legends Rakim and Doug E. Fresh. "This is not just an event—it's a legacy," said Oshunbumi Fernandez-West, the current CEO and daughter of the founder. For the first time, Fernandez-West is joined in leading the festival by her son, Adeniyi Ogundana, who has stepped into the role of Chief Operating Officer. Together, they're ushering Odunde into its next 50 years, expanding programming year-round through initiatives like ODUNDE365 and Odunde Sports. Street closures as Odunde Festival 2025 begins June 8 Beyond the festivities, attendees are encouraged to plan ahead. Road closures will begin at 8 a.m. Sunday and include: South Street from 15th to 25th Streets 23rd Street from Lombard to Grays Ferry Avenue 22nd Street from Lombard to Bainbridge Grays Ferry Avenue from South to Fitzwater Several SEPTA routes (7, 12, 17, and 40) will also be detoured. Admission is free, and families are welcome to enjoy a full day of live music, global cuisine, dance, art, and Black-owned businesses. For the full schedule and updates, visit the Odunde Festival's website.
