This weekend is Notting Hill, one of the biggest carnivals in the world. The first underwater carnival was in Rotherhithe, under the Thames, in 1852. Despite Marc Brunel’s objections, the Tunnel opened on a Saturday – ‘Saturday night is the most disorderly time of the whole week – but the directors overruled him. There was cannon firing, marching bands and later sword swallowers, fire eaters, magicians, Ethiopian serenaders, Indian dancers, Chinese singers and ‘Mr Green the celebrated Bottle Pantomimic Equilibrist’. And despite Marc Brunel’ misgivings, just like Notting Hill, a good time was had by all… Follow The Brunel Museum @brunel_museum on instagram
Director’s Diary: Carnival!
