Party Like It's Rio At Great British Carnival

By Sponsor Last edited 116 months ago
Party Like It's Rio At Great British Carnival

This is a sponsored article on behalf of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

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This weekend you can get a taste of that ever-popular Brazilian export, the carnival, at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Hundreds of dancers, musicians and carnival artists will descend upon the park on Sunday 27 July for the Great British Carnival, bringing a shimmying, swirling, samba-ing slice of South America to the capital. The whole family is welcome to enjoy this explosion of dance, music and live performance, marking the midway point between London and the Rio Olympics.

As always, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is keen to represent the local contingent, so expect homegrown performers and carnival acts from Newham, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest alongside a vibrant mix of international artists.

Hear the deep thrums of samba rhythms in the distance? Follow your ears and you’ll find Dhol Academy, Maracatudo Mafua, Mahogany, Kinetika Bloco, Orchestra Bombo, Mandinga Arts and Paraiso School of Samba making their colourful way through the park.

Music, rap and spoken word also feature throughout the day with constant live performances taking place across various stages (full line-up here). And if the mood takes you, Carnival Village is the place to get your own party makeover with mask and costume-making, face painting, juggling workshops, capoeira, samba, salsa and more.

If you're busy during the day then you needn't miss out, as both new visitors and seasoned partygoers can enjoy the closing spectacle: The Carnival of the Animals twilight parade. With floats crammed with costumed performers, 300 dancers and giant parade puppets — all illuminated by pyrotechnic performers from Britain’s oldest carnival in Bridgwater — we’re expecting oohs and aahs aplenty.

All this, for free. No airfare to Brazil required. Que comece a festa [and cue carnivalesque ululations]!

Great British Carnival takes place at Queen Elizabeth Olympic park from midday-9.45pm on Sunday 27 July. It's completely free, so just turn up and join the party!

Last Updated 21 July 2014