On Saturday 17 August, Brent Cross Town hosted its first ever carnival and family picnic at Claremont Park, with around a thousand people joining in the celebration.

 

This carnival was organised by Justin Thomas, who is the co-founder of popular carnival group, Just In Carnival, and is also a local resident. Established in 2022, Just In Carnival brings the best traditions of Caribbean carnival to life on the streets of London.

All locals were invited to celebrate Caribbean carnival culture through music, dance, and play. Residents from the local area and wider borough, including from High Barnet, North Finchley and Grahame Park joined the day and took part in the free activities. Activities included carnival costume-making, steelpan workshops, carnival-themed dance and fitness classes, carnival games, face painting, henna tattoo making and more.

Carnival co-founders and organisers, Justin Thomas and Dianne Ramdeen said: “It was great to see children from a wide variety of backgrounds participating in the activities, wearing the costumes and dancing along to the steelpan and Carnival music.”

The Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Tony Vourou also joined the celebrations, alongside Cricklewood ward member, Councillor Alan Schneiderman and West Finchley ward member, Councillor Kath McGuirk.

Barnet Council Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, and Cricklewood Ward Member, Councillor Alan Schneiderman, said: “Having the opportunity to celebrate different cultures throughout the year at Brent Cross Town is a proud reflection of our diverse and fun borough. We all enjoyed celebrating Caribbean culture last weekend and I look forward to seeing what’s in store for future events.

Visitors had the chance to treat themselves from one of the local food retailers at Brent Cross Town, including Happy Face, and local ice cream parlour, Gussy’s,  who were serving rum, raisin and mango ice cream flavours to add to the Caribbean spirit of the day. We thank everyone who joined the celebration.

Discover the free activities taking place as part of Brent Cross Town’s Summer in the Park programme.