As Toronto readies for its own Caribbean Carnival, London's iconic Carnival weekend offers a glimpse of the energy Canadians love.
Carnival Celebrations
There really is nothing like Carnival weekend. I love being on the Tube and seeing the outfits and the energy of the people on their way west. In my twenties I'd always head to Norman Jay's Good Times double-decker bus with a hip flask of rum for a big old dance. Then it became Aba Shanti-I. I love it all. I even love paying £5 to use someone's loo and have a little chat, and I love roaming around looking for an after‑party. Happy days. Read Mark Beaumont's uplifting piece about London's biggest street party, which has now been going for 60 years. Long may it continue.
Canadian cities such as Toronto and Montreal also host large street festivals that draw similar crowds, highlighting the shared love of music and colour across the border. In the United States, New York's Caribbean Day Parade mirrors the same festive spirit, showing how the tradition has spread north.
Fashion and Food Highlights
And on our fashion pages, we celebrate Notting Hill's boutiques, from the vintage to the new. On page 10, insider Alice Cockerell has the tea on Harry and Meghan's return, from what his friends are saying to where they'll live. On our food and drink pages, Josh Barrie reviews London's latest tasting menu: at a pizzeria. Just the thought makes me feel as stuffed as a Domino's crust.
Then turn to the next in our series of London galleries you may have overlooked, this time, the little museums hiding major treasures. If you're feeling the pinch, read in H&P about the Londoners renting their homes for up to £2k a day.
And as always, online and in print, we have so much more. Have a wonderful week.
The London Standard can be picked up for free across the city and is now available to buy for £2 in all large Tesco and Waitrose stores in the South‑East. You can also read the digital edition online.