Swing dancing will hopefully be a hit at the Hornsey Carnival. Picture: Simone Edwards

Hornsey Carnival set to wow Saturday crowds

by Denise Rowland Friday, July 6, 2012
2:41 PM

Swing dancers, Kurdish drummers and a drag queen are just some of the acts putting the finishing touches to their performances in preparation for tomorrow’s Hornsey Carnival.

Post-war nostalgia will be high on the agenda with the Swing Patrol Dancers set to entertain with Jitterbug routines along the three-mile parade spanning Hornsey and Crouch End.

But there will be plenty on offer for contemporary tastes too – including Latin American-inspired Zumba dancing and Taekwondo demonstrations.

Also on show will be the Praying Mantis Kung Fu Group, who take their style of fighting from the famously combative insect.

They will be displaying their armoury of tumbles, rolls, back-flips and kicks, and in a show of extreme strength and discipline, teacher Bryan Barnes has even promised to show off his ability to do a handstand on the tips of his fingers.

He said: “I think the crowd will love our explosive, quick and agile style – even from our youngest member who is six.”

But there will be plenty of opportunities for revellers to participate.

Zumba instructor Reka Szentmihalyi is keen for the crowd to try out her routines.

She said: “When people see how fun it is they usually want to join the party!”

Hornsey-based singer David 9 Lunas will also fill the air with his bluesy ballads, while Kurdish drummers will bring a Middle Eastern flavour to the celebrations.

And in a last-minute addition to festivities, drag queen Tony West, who is a regular at Cromer Carnival in Norfolk, is also set to make a special appearance.

He said: “It will be the first time I visit Hornsey and I’m looking forward to it – I just hope the Norfolk sense of humour translates well!”

Proceeds from the carnival will go to charities including Action for Kids and the North London Hospice.

Miriam Bracewell, vice-chairman of the organising committee, said: “Let’s not lose sight of why we choose to support our charities.

“We want to make a difference, and that’s what this weekend is all about.”