Notting Hill Carnival specials for BBC iPlayer

BBC iPlayer

Four documentaries revealing the stories behind the Notting Hill Carnival will be available exclusively on BBC iPlayer from today.

“We want BBC iPlayer to celebrate and reflect Britain’s vibrant culture of festivals and events throughout the calendar year. As Notting Hill Carnival kicks off in West London over the Bank Holiday weekend, BBC iPlayer brings audiences across the UK four exclusive films, exploring the unique history, sounds and cuisine of this important cultural event. This commission is a great example of how we’re evolving iPlayer’s promise from catch-up TV, to a primary entertainment destination, offering audiences more new and original content.” – Victoria Jaye, Head of TV Content, BBC iPlayer

Programmes include Big Tunes featuring singers ranging from Ms. Dynamite to Toddla T who give the beeb their picks of Carnival tracks, spanning the years, showing how a massive track can completely change the dynamic of Carnival. Also Wyn Baptiste presents Who Started It?, taking the corporation on a very personal journey of exploration. Wyn, whose father was the first Chair of Notting Hill Carnival Committee, sets out to discover who really started the festival.

Keeping the music flowing at Carnival is key, and in Sound Systems we hear the stories of the people who build the impressive kit that pumps out timeless classics and cutting edge tracks to the Carnival goers. MC Rodney P takes a look at Caribbean food culture in Hard Food, asking why this delicious food isn’t more widely available and popular in the UK.

The productions will be produced by ACME Films for the BBC.