Notting Hill Carnival organiser Matthew Phillip: ‘It’s the sound of the people for me’
The ambient sound of people is as important as the music for the Carnival CEO.
Matthew Phillip’s connection to the Notting Hill Carnival stretches back almost his entire life. In the early 80s his father founded the Mangrove Steel Band alongside activist Frank Crichlow; Matthew’s been told he was even being pushed around carnival whilst still in a buggy.
In 1993 Matthew took over management of Mangrove band and still plays a bit of steelpan today.
Alongside his role as CEO of Notting Hill Carnival, Matthew is also Chief Executive of Carnival Village Trust, the charity based at The Tabernacle in Powis Square. Over the years he has also become a prominent voice for the wider UK festival sector.
Matthew Phillip revealed his London favourites, memories, pet-hates and everything in between with Robert Elms.
