Junkanoo & Speedometer

Junkanoo in The Bahamas, which has been compared to Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Carnival in Rio, is staged in the early hours of 26 December and again in the early hours of 1 January, New Year's Day. The parade, or "rush out" is characterized by colourful costumes and a rhythmic blending of goatskin drums, cow bells, horns fill the air as the Junkanoo groups, comprising sometimes dozens of even hundreds of members, compete for not just the kudos of winning but also a cash prize to help fund its costumes for the following year.

Junkanoo is an example of traditional Bahamian culture. The magnificent crepe-paper, wire and cardboard costumes of Caribbean colours are worked on from July onwards. When the celebrations are over some of the most artful masterpieces are exhibited by Junkanoo Museum throughout the year.

Speedometer has built a reputation as one of London's finest funk bands, working with many of the US legends including Joe Quarterman, Eddie Bo and Marva Whitney.