The annual Hanwell Carnival is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and for the first time ever its going to stop the traffic and carry on long into the night.

At around 6pm Ken Mackintosh and his Big Band will provide the music to keep revellers dancing long after the more traditional entertainments have packed up.

Last year's Carnival attracted 15,000 partygoers, making it London's second biggest after the Notting Hill bash down the road.

And organisers of this year's show on Elthorne Park, Boston Road on June 17, confidently expect to beat that figure.

Steve Hearn, Carnival chairman, said: 'Every year it gets harder to produce a better carnival than has gone before, but I really think we are going to do it.

'After the fun of the parade through Hanwell and the excitement of the day, we hope people will bring a picnic and enjoy the music in the evening.'

Already 18 floats have signed up to take part in the parade through the streets.

This year's parade starts at 12.30pm at Drayton Manor playing field winding its way to Elthorne Park via a short stint in Uxbridge Road.

Gina Page, a carnival organiser, said: 'It's the first time the parade has been allowed in Uxbridge Road and its great to be actually on the main road where everyone can see us.'

Among the attractions on the park will be a a demonstration of rescue techniques from the world-renowned International Rescue group, a craft fair and an array of stalls providing fun and information.

But it's not too late to get involved. Any group or organisation that wants to build a float or take a corner of the craft fair should call Steve on 0181 578 9309.

BY SIMON BELGARD

æsbelgard@london.newsquest.co.uk

The annual Hanwell Carnival is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and for the first time ever its going to stop the traffic and carry on long into the night.

At around 6pm Ken Mackintosh and his Big Band will provide the music to keep revellers dancing long after the more traditional entertainments have packed up.

Last year's Carnival attracted 15,000 partygoers, making it, the organisers claim, London's second biggest after the Notting Hill bash down the road.

And organisers of this year's show on Elthorne Park, Boston Road on June 17, confidently expect to beat that figure.

Steve Hearn, Carnival chairman, said: 'Every year it gets harder to produce a better carnival than has gone before, but I really think we are going to do it.

'After the fun of the parade through Hanwell and the excitement of the day, we hope people will bring a picnic and enjoy the music in the evening.'

Already 18 floats have signed up to take part in the parade through the streets.

This year's parade starts at 12.30pm at Drayton Manor playing field winding its way to Elthorne Park via a short stint in Uxbridge Road.

Gina Page, a carnival organiser, said: 'It's the first time the parade has been allowed in Uxbridge Road and its great to be actually on the main road where everyone can see us.'

Among the attractions on the park will be a demonstration of rescue techniques from the world-renowned International Rescue group, a craft fair and an array of stalls providing fun and information.

But it's not too late to get involved. Any group or organisation that wants to build a float or take a corner of the craft fair should call Steve on 0181 578 9309.