The People
Pull it Off
Acton Celebrates in Acton Style
Acton came alive on Saturday as the Acton Carnival 2003 and Acton Park Festival transformed the streets and the park into a colourful, musical, atmospheric and energised space. The success of the day was down to the people of Acton, who took part in months of preparation for the Carnival; to those who supported the festival activities and entertainment; and to those who came along on the day to enjoy a special community family event.
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Some 400 masqueraders in full costume turned Acton’s streets into a mass of colour, with live music and dancing. Expectant crowds, cheering the parade on, lined the route. Stewards and police ensured the safe passage of the parade through to Acton Park, where each group took to the stage to showcase their costumes to the welcoming crowd.
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Acton Park was transformed by the hive of activity around the food stalls with food to sample from around the globe. Arts activities and workshops in music and dance took place throughout the afternoon, as well as a fun fair for younger children. Those with a sports interest were catered for with a 5-aside football tournament and 3 on 3 basketball organised by local sports workers, as well as a lively dominoes tournament (won this year by the United Anglo Caribbean Society).
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The stage saw a wide range of local talent from Stardust Steel Orchestra, the Jiving Lindy Hoppers, to local youth performance groups, and a popular reggae star appearance from Peter Hunnigale went down well with the audience. Calvary and Stix Man Sound Systems attracted huge crowds, creating a positive musical energy.
The event was co-ordinated by Acton Community Forum, but it’s success was down to Acton’s people, Steve Flynn, (ACF manager), commented “It’s been a brilliant day with something for everyone, and a really great atmosphere. People are congratulating us for the Carnival, but its all down to Acton’s people.”
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Over 5,000 people enjoyed a sunny day of harmony in Acton. A truly positive and warm atmosphere was felt by all who experienced the event. People commented on the fact that there was something for everyone. Acton carnival 2003 attracted a real mix of people enjoying Acton’s unique spirit.