Wyn Baptiste discovers that the origins of Carnival are as tangled as the history of London itself as he meets key players who were actually there with his dad, and goes on a journey that takes in mass immigration, the 1958 race riots, pioneering social workers, Trinidadian steel pan players – and adventure playgrounds

Vintage BBC documentary from 1976 looking at the West Indian carnival in Notting Hill London, and how heavy handed policing and racial tension resulted in a riot.

From samba blocos in Brazil to masked balls in Italy, Carnival is a truly global phenomenon, celebrated in over 50 countries around the world. The Economist provides a brief intro to where it all began.

In Trinidad, locals dance on stilts and learn to "touch the sky" from an early age. The New York Times explores the origins of Moko Jumbie.

Costume designer Horst Raack and his partner regularly attend the best costume contest and have won first prize several times with their self-made creations. Follow their progress as they enter their costume for the 2019 contest.