Carnival time (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Carnival time at Fairfield Halls, Croydon

11:09am Wednesday 1st September 2010 in Freetime By Graham Moody

Get those moth-balls off that dress ladies and dust off those dancing shoes gentleman, it's carnival time.

Following on from the bank holiday Notting Hill Carnival, Fairfield Halls is going all Caribbean this weekend with the excitement and atmosphere of carnival time with the two-day long Caribbean Carnival Extravaganza.

In a lavishly designed and spectacular display of colour, music and costumes, the exotic musical presentation comprises of 50 top dancers, singers, and musicians capturing the party spirit.

More than 200 extravagant costumes have been created by premier designer Wayne Berkeley and they will be enhanced by the invention of internationally-renowned musicians such as The Calypso All Stars Orchestra, Trinidad Steel Band and the African Djembbe Drummers, who will all be appearing.

The All Stars Orchestra are at the forefront of Calypso but can also play the infectious Latin rhythms of South America and the vibrant music of Soca.

The composers and arrangers of the Trinidad Steel Band have combined their traditional musical influences into a fusion of new songs, which have captivated audiences around the world.

The will also be a special guest appearance by Calypso Rose, known as The Calypso Queen of the World after winning the Queen title five years running.

The 70-year-old from Tobago began writing songs at the age of 15, and has written more than 800 since, including Calypso anthem Fire in Me Wire in 1966.

Caribbean Carnival Extravaganza, Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, September 4 and 5, 7.30pm, £15. Call 020 8688 9291 or visit fairfield.co.uk.