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Navy’s Caribbean network party it up at Notting Hill

30 August 2017
Members of the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Caribbean Support Network (CSN) took to the streets along with hundreds of thousands of revellers who descended on Notting Hill for the final day of carnival.

Over 250 sailors from the CSN made their way to the Capital from Naval bases and establishments across the country, to what is Europe’s largest street party and second to Rio’s as the world’s largest.

Rooted in Afro-Caribbean culture and celebrating community cohesion, the event annually attracts over 2 million people to West London, with two days of dancing, music and partying.

In all around 70 performance stages and 40 sound systems keep up a beat that lasts well into the early hours, playing a mix of Soca, Calypso, Reggae, House, Dub and Funk music.

“This will be the first time I’ve actually taken part in the Carnival itself,” said Stores Accountant Logistics (SA Logs) Janelle Gerald from HMS Nelson in Portsmouth.

“I’ve help set up the Caribbean Support Network and we help those people who haven’t got any family around here, helping and guiding them to find their feet.

"This is a great way to meet people as well as encourage other to see what the Royal Navy can do for them. It’s a popular place to be today and we are all enjoying Carnival.”

This is a great way to meet people as well as encourage other to see what the Royal Navy can do for them.

Stores Accountant Logistics (SA Logs) Janelle Gerald

Janelle remembers coming to Notting Hill a back in 2004 and wants to help others find their feet and offer her experiences to people who are new to the Royal Navy.  Notting Hill Carnival also offers over 300 food outlets where people can buy ‘Jerk Chicken’ and other Caribbean delicacies that make it a complete experience.

Leading Steward Keon Quashie, who works in London has been coordinating the Royal Navy’s involvement and is pleased that it’s all gone smoothly from his part.

“I can’t lie, it’s been incredibly busy over the past couple of months making sure we had everyone’s details and we missed no one out.

"I like to really thank everyone who’s had a helping hand with sponsorship and advice. 2017 has been great for a first time involvement as a service, but next year we want to build on what we’ve achieved.”

“It was great getting all the shout outs from the DJs and bands along the way. It’s all about passing on our experiences to the younger ones who’ve just joined the Royal Navy.”

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