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The Makers Of Carnival

Friday, August 17th, 2012 at 6:49pm by Will Moreland | Comments

It's almost Notting Hill Carnival time. To celebrate, we've collaborated with Red Stripe to bring you some of the people that bring the UK's most famous party to life: the 'Makers' of Carnival.  

Photographer Pennie Smith has shot portraits with each Maker and this project is a collaboration with Red Stripe exclusively. 

A selection of our favourites, with the lowdown on each Maker, can be found below:  

NORMAN JAY MBE, DJ: MAKER OF CARNIVAL SINCE 1982  

When we think of the Notting Hill Carnival, we think of Norman Jay. This year marks the DJ's 31st Carnival appearence as he returns with his Good Times sound system after a break last year.  

“It’s the most important gig for me," Jay says, "because it’s a shared cultural experience where everyone is welcome.” Expect an eclectic set from DJ one of the most recognisable faces in club culture, with the Good Times sound system attracting an estimated 15,000 revellers a day.

MICK JOHNSON, POLICE COMMANDER: MAKER OF CARNIVAL SINCE 1980  

Hello, hello, hello. Police Commander Mick Jonson has been as much a part of the Carnival experience as the costumes and music for over three decades, as the event's longest serving copper.  

In his own words, he sees himself as “a part of, not apart from” the community he serves. Raise a glass to Mick if you see him; 2012 is to be his last ever Carnival.

ROSARIA GRACIA, DANCER/CHOREOGRAPHER: MAKER OF CARNIVAL SINCE 2000  

“Nothing is weird," Gracia says. "It’s where the weird becomes the norm.”  

The Spaniard has been a fixture of Carnival for over a decade. What keeps her coming back year after year? Light, love, cultural diversity and playfulness: these are the things she loves most about Carnival. And we love her samba, rumba and foxtrot just as much.  

And an honourable mention goes to...  

PHIL LEGG, OPEN HOUSE / FUTUREPROOF SOUND SYSTEM: MAKER OF CARNIVAL SINCE 2003  

Everyone loves Carnival. But Phil Legg really loves Carnival. So much so, each year, he open up his house to revellers and the Futureproof Sound System plays tunes out of his living room windows. Sounds good, doesn't it? Lilly Allen thought so, too. She once played a set in his garden.  

For more information visit RedStripe.net and Noisey.com.  

Long live the mixtape!