Watford’s Notting Hill-inspired carnival was back after last year’s successful show.

Held on Saturday, July 29, in Radlett Road Playing Field, the organiser said the free event will return next year after hundreds of people attended.  

Watford Observer: Hundreds of people attended the Watford Carnival 2023.Hundreds of people attended the Watford Carnival 2023. (Image: Jomo Oparah)

Jomo Oparah said: “This year was fantastic. It was a lot better than we anticipated.

 

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Watford Carnival

♬ original sound - Ali Stephen560

“Last year we had feedback that we needed more for the children, so we had a children’s funfair on the field this time.”

Mr Oparah, who lives in Watford, described the carnival as “family-focused”.

Watford Observer: The Watford Carnival is a family event.The Watford Carnival is a family event. (Image: Jomo Oparah)

Aware of some of the troubles that are associated with the Notting Hill carnival, he “made sure the acts signed a contract so they would not include swear words or drugs in the music”.

 

@lewis_the_teendad @Watfordcarnival ♬ original sound - Lewis_the_teendad

Mr Oparah, who is the chief executive of events management company Mojo Fusion, added he wanted to run the event to showcase the diverse talent Watford has.

Watford Observer: The organiser Jomo (centre) said police officers were also dancing at Saturday's event.The organiser Jomo (centre) said police officers were also dancing at Saturday's event. (Image: Jomo Oparah)

He said: “There is a need to promote togetherness, social interaction among different ethnic groups, tourism and businesses in Watford.”

 

@officialpassmark Watford carnival performance of Format with @boyodre 29th july 23 #format #passmark #new #sound #afrobeats #amapiano #newtrend #summervibes #fypシ゚viral #fyp ♬ Format - Passmark & Oluwanisola

Mr Oparah added: “I want to thank all the sponsors and a big thank you to Luther Blissett who opened the ceremony.”

Watford Observer: Left to right: Cllr Dawn Allen, Luther Blissett and Jomo OparahLeft to right: Cllr Dawn Allen, Luther Blissett and Jomo Oparah (Image: Jomo Oparah)

Labour’s three Holywell ward councillors Nigel Bell, Favour Ezeifedi and Matt Turmaine donated £400 from the Watford council neighbourhood funding towards the carnival.

Mr Bell said: “We were really please to make the donation as the carnival brought so many of our residents from across our town from all communities together.”

Watford Observer: Jomo Oparah, Favour Ezeifedi and Nigel BellJomo Oparah, Favour Ezeifedi and Nigel Bell (Image: Watford Labour)