Summer's last fling (or not)

The August Bank Holiday weekend supposedly marks the end of summer but as I write this nearly three weeks afterwards, I'm pleased to say that it still has plenty of life in it. At the end of August the Notting hill Carnival, which fell silent for two years, is in rude health again. It started in 1966 and while inspired by London's Afro-Caribbean community, it's become a magnet for people of all persuasions to let their hair down. Lots of residents have fled to avoid the mayhem but some hardy souls stay on for a balcony viewing. Apparently 2 million people attend on the second day, a Monday. But as you can see, there's lots of clearing up for afterwards!

Monday itself sees me at the gentler festival in Carshalton with music on two stages, Morris dancers and who knows what else. A great way to round off August.Read more