The first Notting Hill Carnival in 1965 was a multicultural affair with a parade and show. Participants included the New Orleans Marching Band, Ginger Johnson and the Afro-Cuban Band, Irish dancers and someone in a costume of Nell Gwynne from Madame Tussauds riding in a horse-drawn orange cart. There was also a variety show in All Saints Hall and an inter-pub darts match.
But the dynamic element within the parade was the Russell Henderson’s steelband combo. They had a regular spot playing jazz on a Sunday at the Colherne Pub in Earl’s Court.