Getting ready for Carnival

Around the back of Sainsbury's in Ladbroke Grove a steel band is being prepared.

Yesterday I passed by and heard people tuning the massive oil drums that will provide the rhythm of Notting Hill over the Bank Holiday Weekend.

Today Le Shea (sp?) is painting them.

Originating in Trinidad, the steel band first made an appearance in London during the Festival of Britain after the second world war. Most drums are tuned to play three distinct notes according to one of Le Shea's friends.