An end-of-summer carnival parade by care home residents and people from sheltered housing attracted 300 spectators on Hampstead Heath.

Around 70 older people got together for the sixth year of ‘CarnivALL’ — with a little help from the Arts Council and well-wishing local organisations.

They joined younger generations to make costumes, learning samba and create puppets and props for the parade.

“This creates opportunities for people often excluded from the arts scene,” SeeThrough theatre company founder Julia Evangelista said. “These older people show they are creative artists and can be active in the community and in their social networks. 

“It’s the sense of belonging and being on Hampstead Heath in a parade for the community with their growing self-confidence.”  

Organisations supporting them include Heath Hands, Acland Burghley School, Camden Council Sheltered Housing, London Disability Network, Queen’s Crescent Community Association and Cooperative Town food bank.

Those who took part in 'CarnivALL' are now planning next year’s grand parade.