This year, London Fire Brigade kicked off the carnival celebrations by unveiling artwork that has been created by local children as part of workshops to celebrate the anniversary of Windrush. The artwork will be displayed at North Kensington Fire Station throughout the carnival weekend.
Earlier this summer, London Fire Brigade joined up with Guided Learning Uniting Education (GLUE), an educational programme, to encourage children from the local community to get involved in the art project.
A series of workshops were held in July, where young people took part in different activities including art and dance. They worked with firefighters and the team from GLUE and Pepper Pot, a Caribbean and African Community Centre, to create the artwork, which will be displayed throughout the weekend.
As part of the carnival celebrations, North Kensington Fire Station held a Caribbean inspired brunch for members of the community and then opened its doors to the public throughout Sunday afternoon. London Fire Commissioner, Andy Roe, launched the event with a speech to welcome everyone. Members of the community were then treated to a rap performance, poetry reading, steel band and DJ.
Community Engagement Officer Leon Whitley, said: “The Windrush 75 Carnival Arts Project was incredible! The young people are vibrant and packed with so many talents to offer modern society. Teaching young people from different backgrounds about Notting Hill Carnival and the Windrush generation, and then assisting them to transfer that knowledge into rap songs proves just how much art can support modern day learning.
“A significant highlight from the four-day programme was bridging the gap between young people and elders from Pepper Pot. The young people obtained first hand insight of what life was like for those that came before them, and the elders obtained first hand insight of what life is like for young people today; it was a mutual exchange filled with respect.
“The art workshops saw young people turn shyness into bravery, bravery into structure, and structure into purpose. The artwork they produced is incredible and I’m glad it is on display at North Kensington Fire Station.”
London Fire Commissioner, Andy Roe, said: “This year we have been celebrating the 75th anniversary of Windrush, making this Notting Hill Carnival extra special.
“To mark the occasion our staff and firefighters have been working with young people in the local community – as well as elders from the Caribbean and African community – to teach them about the history of Windrush and the Carnival.
“Over the weekend we embraced the spirit of Carnival with a Caribbean brunch, steel band, rap performances and DJ. We also opened up the fire station to the public and displayed artwork from young people in the community.”
Fiona Twycross, Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience, said: “As Notting Hill Carnival marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush, it is fantastic that local children and community groups have worked with London Fire Brigade to produce this spectacular artwork.
“The Windrush 75 Carnival Arts Project exhibition is a fitting tribute and it is incredibly important that we celebrate the contributions of this remarkable generation and their descendants. From those working for the NHS and TfL, to politicians, activists and the creatives who’ve shaped our culture – they have touched every aspect of our society and we owe them all an enormous debt of gratitude, as we continue to build a better London for all.”
