London’s Notting Hill mas in full swing

Last night there was Panorama, an explosion of steelpan music featuring groups such as Metronomes and Ebony. At daybreak today the main event was London’s version of J’ouvert, known as "Dirty Mas," with plenty of flour, paint, mud and chocolate.

Tomorrow the focus will be on the costumed bands.

This year, several bands are exploring history and heroes, such as Yaa Asantewaa with The Story Yaa Know, and Paddington Arts Elimu with Africa: Roots and Routes, BeeRaahar’s Caribbean Beauties, MK2’s Gems and Paraiso School of Samba’s The Evolution of Paradise.

Another big attraction will be the technical wizardry of Mahogany, a Harlesden-based group of artists, in A Stretch of the Imagination. For beads-and-bikini mas, there is Ruff Diamond’s Paradise Garden and Cocoyea’s Soca Safari, as well as the Burrokeets group.

Also among the well known Notting Hill bands tomorrow will be TnT Mudders, a troupe whose bodies, smeared with paint or powder, embrace you in the true carnival spirit.

As Trinidadians say: "Yuh can’t play mas an’ ‘fraid powder"! The popular music for the event includes Shurwayne Win-chester’s "Dead or Alive," and Jamsey P’s "Nookie."

Caribbean Showcase — an entirely separate event from the official Notting Hill carnival — takes place in Hyde Park tomorrow.

It includes live Caribbean music, food, craft stalls, exhibitions and workshops.