Jordan Stephens, 24, Brighton via North West London
Where have you come from today? Kensal Rise.
What do you do? Writer/performer.
What’s the best thing about Carnival? The colors.
What’s your favorite float? King Tubby Soundsystem.
If you weren’t at Carnival right now, what would you be doing? Ibiza or binge watching The Get Down.
What’s your carnival theme tune? Dawn Penn, “No no no.”
What gets you in the mood for carnival? The sheer velocity of floats driving down my road.
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at carnival? Buy 17 whistles.
How would you describe Carnival in three words? Loud and proud
What advice would you give to a first timer? Try not to get drunk before midday.
@rizzlekicks / @jordanswave
Sam Adefe, 26, London
Where have you come from today? Shepherd’s Bush.
What’s the best thing about Carnival? Culture and food.
What’s your favorite float? All Saints Road.
If you weren’t at Carnival right now, what would you be doing? Playing Fifa.
What’s your Carnival theme tune? Bashment.
What gets you in the mood for Carnival? Food.
How would you describe Carnival in three words? Batty, girls, food.
What advice would you give to a first timer? Enjoy.
@carlogambino
Natalie, 22, London
Where have you come from today? Hackney.
What do you do? Student.
What’s the best thing about Carnival? Music, vibe, dance.
If you weren’t at Carnival right now, what would you be doing? Sleeping.
What’s your Carnival theme tune? Kandie, “Turkle”
What gets you in the mood for Carnival? Friends, drink, music.
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at Carnival? Friends and music.
How would you describe Carnival in three words? Live, vibrant, free.
What advice would you give to a first timer? Just let loose.
@tarliaadjubi
Justine Obiakor, 23, California
Where have you come from today? I live here.
What do you do? Post grad student/admin.
What’s the best thing about Carnival? Community feels.
If you weren’t at Carnival right now, what would you be doing? Moving.
What’s your Carnival theme tune? Lil Kim, “Lighters Up.”
What gets you in the mood for Carnival? Beats.
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at Carnival? Vibe out.
How would you describe Carnival in three words? All positive vibes.
What advice would you give to a first timer? Embrace it fully open minded.
@souleclectic
Chanelle Crawford, 19, London
Where have you come from today? North West London.
What do you do? Student.
What’s the best thing about Carnival? Alcohol.
If you weren’t at Carnival right now, what would you be doing? At home.
What’s your Carnival theme tune? Alkaline, “Formula.”
What gets you in the mood for Carnival? Alcohol.
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at Carnival? Drink.
What advice would you give to a first timer? Drink.
@planetchanelle
Sol Eaux, 21, London
What do you do? Make clothes.
What’s the best thing about Carnival? Sun (hopefully).
What gets you in the mood for Carnival? Noise
What advice would you give to a first timer? Be you.
@s_leaux
Lea Revan, 19, Finchley
Where have you come from today? Finchley.
What do you do? Unemployed.
What’s the best thing about Carnival? Weed, drinks, music.
If you weren’t at Carnival right now, what would you be doing? Dancing.
What’s your Carnival theme tune? “Controlla.”
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at Carnival? Drink.
How would you describe Carnival in three words? Mad, mad ting.
What advice would you give to a first timer? Don’t lose your mates.
Reuben, 21, South East London
Where have you come from today? Peckham.
What do you do? Creative arts.
What’s the best thing about Carnival? Joy, community, and people dressing nice.
If you weren’t at Carnival right now, what would you be doing? In the park.
What gets you in the mood for Carnival? Mangos.
How would you describe Carnival in three words? Colorful, busy, happy.
What advice would you give to a first timer? Stay hydrated.
@pebblebythesea
Pippo Khalwa, 21, London
Where have you come from today? Ladbroke Grove
What do you do? Music.
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at Carnival? Walk.
How would you describe Carnival in three words? Excellent, rowdy, fun.
What advice would you give to a first timer? Go with a gang.
@therealpeaky
Kaisle Brown, 21, London
Where have you come from today? London.
What do you do? Student.
What’s the best thing about Carnival? Dancing.
What’s your favorite float? Dancehall.
If you weren’t at Carnival right now, what would you be doing? Nothing.
What’s your Carnival theme tune? “Pull up to mi bumper.”
What gets you in the mood for Carnival? Music.
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at Carnival? Dance.
How would you describe Carnival in three words? Cultural, amazing, black.
What advice would you give to a first timer? Have fun.
@kaislexy
Credits
Photography Rosie Matheson