‘Why I’m fighting to keep Notting Hill Carnival where it belongs’

Notting Hill Carnival, Europe's largest street party and a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, is set to mark its 60th anniversary this weekend. The event draws millions of visitors to west London each year, transforming the area into a kaleidoscope of color, sound, and tradition. Among those deeply connected to the festival is Desire, an award-winning soca music artist and costume designer whose journey through the carnival spans three decades. Born Louise Sterling-Jackman, Desire began attending the carnival as a child, often watching from the sidelines while her mother participated. Her early memories include the first year she was allowed to join a masquerade band, an experience that ignited a lifelong passion for the festival. At age five or six, she donned a Flintstones-themed costume crafted by her mother, an act that symbolized her transition from observer to active participant. “It was like a feeling of, ‘oh yeah, I’ve arrived,’” she recalls. This moment marked the beginning of her deep involvement in the carnival, which she continues to attend every year. As an adult, Desire finds particular pride in the musical elements of the carnival, especially the dominance of soca, a high-energy genre originating from Trinidad and Tobago. The festival’s music policy on the parade route is largely restricted to soca, a choice that holds special significance for her. After winning the title of UK Groovy Soca Monarch last year, Desire has returned to music with the release of her new track, “Bad All By Myself.” She cherishes the opportunity to hear her favorite soca songs played at full volume from the massive sound system trucks that traverse the streets. This year, the spotlight is shifting toward soca from smaller Caribbean islands. With her mixed Bajan and Jamaican heritage, Desire is especially excited about the performances of artists from Grenada, the Dominican Republic, and Saint Lucia. These musicians bring unique styles to the genre, Jab, Bouyon, and Dennery Segment, respectively, each contributing to the rich tapestry of sounds that define the carnival. The structure of the carnival itself reflects its diverse traditions. Saturday features the UK National Panorama Steelband Competition at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park, where the rhythmic clang of steel pans echoes through the air. Sunday begins with J’Ouvert, a pre-carnival ritual involving the preparation of costumes and the gathering of participants. The day unfolds with children’s parades, featuring fun and playful masquerades, followed by sound system performances. The festivities culminate on Monday with the adult’s parade, a spectacle of dazzling costumes and intricate designs. Desire has spent the past decade refining her craft, initially adapting costumes created by others to fit her personal aesthetic. However, she eventually launched her own section within a larger mas band called Chocolate Nation. Her work includes crafting elaborate outfits adorned with colorful gems and feathers for hundreds of participants over the course of a decade. This creative endeavor allows her to blend artistic expression with cultural tradition, ensuring that her vision is realized on the carnival streets. Within Chocolate Nation, the band incorporates a distinctive element inspired by historical masquerade practices. Rather than using paint and powder, as many bands do to mimic the methods of enslaved Africans who once concealed their identities, the group uses liquid chocolate. During the parade, participants engage in a dramatic countdown led by internationally renowned DJ Puffy, after which they spray the chocolate onto one another and scatter it along the route. For Desire, this moment is a highlight of the festival, embodying both the creativity and communal spirit of Notting Hill Carnival.