Let's get ready to rumble (From Haringey Independent)

Let's get ready to rumble

1:01pm Friday 19th March 2004 in

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THE countdown to north London's biggest annual street festival has begun.

The Tottenham Carnival 2004 was officially launched last week at the College of North East London to the tuneful backdrop of the Stamford Hill Primary School Steel Band.

Plans for the main event, at Bruce Castle Park on Saturday June 19, were unveiled by carnival president Barry Bowman, chairman Nicky Price, and Haringey's deputy mayor and carnival secretary Sheila Peacock.

Guests were also given a taste of carnival entertainment with performances by Kids Ahead, the Yess Organisation and Irish, Cuban and African dances.

Organisers are stressing the event is created by the community for the community and are on the lookout for willing helpers and performers.

Cllr Peacock said: "Since it began in 1997, the Tottenham Carnival has been growing and growing every year and getting more successful."

As its founding member, she also revealed this year's event will receive unprecendented exposure from the BBC, which has promised television and radio coverage.

'Unity in Colour' is to be the theme inspired by the diversity of local artists who will perform.

More than 160 ethnic languages are represented by Haringey's 250,000-plus population and it is hoped the carnival will highlight the cultural diversity of the borough.

Cllr Peacock added: "The atmosphere was wonderful at last year's event. There were 20,000 people present, we had five stages and lots of acts performing."

This year's showcase promises to be bigger and better as police reports estimate the crowd size could potentially quadruple.

Despite laughing off comparisons with the London Carnival Notting Hill Sheila Peacock insisted: "We're getting there!"

Volunteers who want to become involved should contact Cllr Peacock on 8808 9160 or Nicky Price on 8365 0011.