Notting Hill Carnival pioneers honoured with Westbourne Park station plaque

A memorial plaque celebrating 70 individuals who were instrumental in the creation of the Notting Hill Carnival has been installed at Westbourne Park Underground station. The artwork was commissioned by Transport for London (TfL) to mark 70 years since the capital's transport system started recruiting staff from the Caribbean.

The plaque, located at the station near the start of the carnival route, lists costume designers, mas and steel pan players, and sound system operators. Among the names featured are journalist Claudia Jones, who organised an indoor Caribbean carnival from 1959, and community activist Rhaune Laslett, who was key in establishing the Notting Hill street festival that evolved into the annual event.

Recruitment in the Caribbean

In 1956, London Transport sent recruitment officers to the Caribbean because it faced a shortage of staff to operate the expanding bus and Underground network. Those recruited were employed across the transport system, with many remaining in London for the duration of their careers. Andy Lord, London's transport commissioner, stated that the men and women recruited in 1956 helped build the transport system the capital relies on today. He described the carnival as a celebration of Caribbean communities that have shaped the city.

The Nubian Jak Community Trust organised the installation of the plaque. Dr Jak Beula, the trust's chief executive, told BBC London that placing the memorial at Westbourne Park fulfilled a long-held aspiration and would provide a way for people to learn about the carnival's British origins. Westbourne Park is a primary station for attendees travelling to the event.

Each year, over two million journeys are made on the transport network for the carnival, according to Ijeoma Fenton-Agu, who leads TfL's RACE colleague network group. TfL is also participating in the carnival parade with a decorated bus and will display artwork by its staff at Paddington station.

Travel Advice for Carnival-Goers

Notting Hill Carnival takes place on 30 and 31 August, with the National Panorama steel band competition scheduled for Saturday. TfL is advising those attending the event to travel to Paddington station and walk to the carnival site. This recommendation is due to anticipated station closures or entry restrictions at stations closer to the parade route during the event.