Claudia Jones: Looking back on the life of the ‘mother’ of Notting Hill Carnival

The activist’s indoor Caribbean Carnival took place seven years before the first outdoor street festival in Notting Hill, Sabrina Barr writes

Communist leader Claudia Jones at the National Communist Headquarters in New York, 26th January 1948 (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Today, Notting Hill Carnival is one of the largest street parties in the world, with more than two million people heading to West London each year to join in the festivities, making it the biggest event of its kind in Europe.

This year will mark the first time the carnival has taken place online in its 54-year history - the event could not go ahead in its typical fashion in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Notting Hill Carnival is a celebration of Caribbean culture, with the event boasting an array of talented street performers, delicious food and music throughout the August bank holiday weekend.