Carnival to build on unity theme

Half a million enjoyed last year's carnival

This summer's Notting Hill Carnival will continue to promote the theme of unity, organisers have said.

"Aspiring and achieving in unity" was announced as the theme of the 42nd event at its official launch on Monday.

The colourful annual event will see floats, steel bands and dancers in costumes parade through the streets of west London on 27 and 28 August.

Organisers Professor Chris Mullard said: "What we are saying as Londoners is that we want a unified London".

Prof Mullard of London Notting Hill Carnival Ltd said the message had not changed and that they wanted a "unified London, harmonious London, just London, equal London, a London where everybody can feel safe".

Last year the event attracted about half a million people.

Talent and passion

Organisers said they wanted to recreate the sense of unity which followed London's successful 2012 Olympic bid.

Prof Mullard added: "2012 showed what London is capable of when we show London as a city of the world, with all faiths and creeds uniting for a common goal. Nothing epitomises that better than carnival.

"It is also important that youngsters in the black community in London unite together and show the capital the talent and the passion that thrives within."

Last year, the event was considered to be more subdued than anticipated as some people stayed away because of the suicide bombings a month earlier.

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