Latest news with #TeddyBoys
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Daily Mirror
How Notting Hill Carnival became one of the biggest cultural events after race riots
Millions of people attend Notting Hill carnival, with some travelling by plane just to experience the Caribbean inspired event - but few know how the carnival began and the roots are deep. Notting Hill Carnival might be one of the world's biggest street parties today, but its roots lie in a fight for community, unity and pride. The summer of 1958 was one of the most volatile in West London's history. Racial tensions had been bubbling for years, fuelled by open hostility towards the Windrush generation settling in the area. In August 1958, an argument between Swedish-born Majbritt Morrison and her Jamaican husband, Raymond, outside Latimer Road tube station turned into a flashpoint. A group of white men, known as Teddy Boys tried to 'defend' Majbritt, despite her telling them to leave her alone. A fight broke out between the Teddy Boys and Raymond's friends, all of Jamaican descent. The next day, Majbritt was spotted again by a gang of white youths. This time, she was attacked in broad daylight simply for being married to a Black man. That assault sparked three days of race riots, with white gangs prowling the streets armed with iron bars, bottles and homemade petrol bombs, targeting Afro-Caribbean homes. One witness later told the BBC: 'They're marking the outside of the houses for the [Teddy] Boys to know where to bomb and where not to bomb.' By the end of the bank holiday weekend, 108 people had been arrested. Miraculously, no one was killed - but the hostility was far from over. Less than a year later, on May 17, 1959, 32-year-old Antiguan carpenter and aspiring lawyer Kelso Cochrane was stabbed to death in a racially motivated attack on Southam Street. His murder which still hasn't been solved sent shockwaves through the community. More than 1,200 mourners attended his funeral, turning it into a defiant stand against racism. Allegations of a police cover-up and a lack of urgency in the investigation only deepened mistrust, pushing campaigners to take their fight for justice to Whitehall. Against this backdrop, Caribbean activist and journalist Claudia Jones offered a different kind of resistance. That winter, she staged an indoor 'Caribbean Carnival' at St Pancras Town Hall, broadcast by the BBC, to celebrate Caribbean culture and lift spirits in the wake of the riots. In the years that followed, indoor events multiplied across London, organised by Jones, the West Indian Gazette, and Trinidadian booking agents Edric and Pearl Connor. For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. By 1966, community activist Rhaune Laslett - a Londoner of Native American and Russian descent decided to host a children's street fayre to bring Notting Hill's diverse residents together. 'We felt that although West Indians, Africans, Irish and many other nationalities all live in a very congested area, there is very little communication between us. If we can infect them with a desire to participate, then this can only have good results,' she said. She invited steel pan player Russell Henderson and his band, who led an impromptu parade down Portobello Road. Locals followed, danced and celebrated and the first outdoor Notting Hill Carnival was born. From a crowd of 500 in 1966, Carnival has grown into one of the world 's largest cultural events, drawing over a million people every August Bank Holiday. It remains community-led, deeply rooted in Caribbean heritage, and uniquely 'London' in its diversity. With static sound systems introduced in 1973 by, then live stages was introduced in 1979 by Wilf Walker hosting stars, and floats alive with music and colour, it continues to honour its origins while evolving with the city it represents. As organisers said: 'While the carnival is rooted in Caribbean culture, with its Windrush-generation influence remaining strong, it is at the same time reflective of characteristically 'London' - today's modern London.' The costumes may change and the music may shift, but Carnival's heartbeat - unity, joy and resilience is the same as it was when it began.
Daily Record
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Billy Connolly reflects on his youth as icon releases new 'windswept and interesting' art
Billy Connolly has released new limited-edition artworks that see him reminisce about his younger years The irrepressible Billy Connolly is known for his quick wit and unconventional character and style. He is also known for his artistic talents, and ability to render his eccentricity into fascinating paintings and sculptures. Throughout his storied career, the comedy legend has produced works on many topics and themes relating to his life. Now, the 82-year-old has released new limited-edition artworks that see him reminisce about his younger years. Released exclusively through Castle Fine Art, the collection, titled Windswept & Interesting, depicts a dancing Teddy Boy figure as a stainless-steel sculpture, alongside two vibrant hand-signed giclée artworks. "These artworks are my youth as I'd like it to have been, but it wasn't," Billy told Castle Fine Art, which has galleries in Glasgow and Edinburgh. "I would have loved to have been a Teddy Boy, but I was too young and my parents wouldn't let me do it. "It's the worst reason not to be a Teddy Boy – because your parents won't let you!" Teddy Boys, as Billy refers to them, were a mainly working-class subculture in 1950s Britain, known for their distinct style reminiscent of the Edwardian era, with a focus on long, dapper jackets, slicked-back hair, and narrow trousers. Meanwhile, the title of the collection is taken from that of Billy's number one bestselling memoir, released in 2021. "Michael Parkinson used to love calling me 'windswept and interesting," says Billy. But it was Scottish folk singer and songwriter Archie Fisher that coined the description of the comedian many years ago when Billy was performing at Methil Steelworks Club in Fife. He was wearing white velvet flared trousers when Archie said: "You're looking windswept and interesting". "I thought 'Yes! That will do me'," Billy went on. "And that's been me ever since." Since this moment, Billy, who now lives in Florida, has made it his mission to live up to the title. The phrase has followed him throughout his remarkable career, providing guidance for his attitude, outlook, and of course, style. The Glasgow-born icon has made many memorable style statements over the last 60 years – from black leotards and banana boots to outrageously patterned shirts and suits. Fashion has always been a huge part of his on-stage presence, and this colourful new collection of artwork explores his early style influences. Billy decorates the character's suit with his signature line work – a nod to his disregard for the status quo and passion for pattern, colour, and clashing socks. The detailing is added to the stainless-steel sculpture in the form of texture, bringing this joyful character to life. "It wasn't supposed to be me but it looks like me," Billy said. "This is me, as I see myself, and I'm so proud of him." The Windswept & Interesting collection is available now at and in their nationwide UK galleries. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
News.com.au
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Massive news for Peaky Blinders fans as series set to return in new era
A new series of crime drama Peaky Blinders is due to start filming this summer — set in the 1950s. BBC bosses want the episodes ready to air in 2026 to capitalise on a renewed wave of interest expected after the release of a Peaky Blinders feature film later this year. Series six saw the characters in the 1930s, while the upcoming film — titled The Immortal Man — is set during the Second World War. The new series is likely to move the Birmingham gangsters into the Fifties — an era known for violent mobs of Teddy Boys and the rise of notorious East London villains the Kray twins. A TV insider yesterday said: 'The sixth series of Peaky Blinders was supposed to be the last and the movie was meant to be the final farewell for the story. 'But show boss Steven Knight couldn't resist coming back to the story — his most famous creation — and he's been dropping hints he wanted to return to do more.' 'But the fact that it's been officially green-lit by the Beeb and wheels are in motion on pre- production will be a huge thrill to fans of the show, which was a huge hit for the BBC.' Cast and crew are expected to start filming in September. The new series will air on BBC One in the UK but be distributed internationally by streaming giant Netflix — also behind the film. Peaky Blinders ran from 2013 to 2022, with the action starting in 1919 and taking in the 1920s and 1930s. Cillian Murphy, who appears in the new film, could return as crime boss Thomas Shelby but as a 'father figure' to younger gang members. It would be a similar role to that of his aunt Polly Gray, played by the late Helen McCrory. After the end of the TV series, writer Stephen dropped multiple hints of a return. Discussing the upcoming film recently, he said: 'The world of 'Peaky' will continue.' The BBC has declined to comment.
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Peaky Blinders to RETURN to BBC One – but with two major changes from last series
A NEW series of crime drama Peaky Blinders is due to start filming this summer — set in the 1950s. BBC bosses want the episodes ready to air next year to capitalise on a renewed wave of interest expected after the release of a Peaky Blinders feature film later this year. 3 Series six saw the characters in the 1930s, while the upcoming film — titled The Immortal Man — is set during the Second World War. The new series is likely to move the Birmingham gangsters into the Fifties — an era known for violent mobs of Teddy Boys and the rise of notorious London villains, the Kray twins. A TV insider yesterday said: 'The sixth series of Peaky Blinders was supposed to be the last and the movie was meant to be the final farewell for the story. 'But show boss Steven Knight couldn't resist coming back to the story — his most famous creation — and he's been dropping hints he wanted to return to do more. 'But the fact that it's been officially green-lit by the Beeb and wheels are in motion on pre- production will be a huge thrill to fans of the show, which was a huge hit for the BBC.' Cast and crew are expected to start filming in September. The new series will air on BBC One in the UK but be distributed internationally by streaming giant Netflix — also behind the film. Peaky Blinders ran from 2013 to 2022, with the action starting in 1919 and taking in the 1920s and 1930s. Cillian Murphy, who appears in the new film, could return as crime boss Thomas Shelby but as a 'father figure' to younger gang members. It would be a similar role to that of his aunt Polly Gray, played by the late Helen McCrory. Barry Keoghan Joins Peaky Blinders Movie! After the end of the TV series, writer Stephen dropped multiple hints of a return. Discussing the upcoming film recently, he said: 'The world of 'Peaky' will continue.' The BBC has declined to comment. 3
Scottish Sun
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Peaky Blinders to RETURN to BBC One – but with two major changes from last series
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW series of crime drama Peaky Blinders is due to start filming this summer — set in the 1950s. BBC bosses want the episodes ready to air next year to capitalise on a renewed wave of interest expected after the release of a Peaky Blinders feature film later this year. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 A new series of crime drama Peaky Blinders is due to start filming this summer Credit: Alamy 3 Cillian Murphy could return as crime boss Thomas Shelby, but with a twist Credit: Alamy Series six saw the characters in the 1930s, while the upcoming film — titled The Immortal Man — is set during the Second World War. The new series is likely to move the Birmingham gangsters into the Fifties — an era known for violent mobs of Teddy Boys and the rise of notorious London villains, the Kray twins. A TV insider yesterday said: 'The sixth series of Peaky Blinders was supposed to be the last and the movie was meant to be the final farewell for the story. 'But show boss Steven Knight couldn't resist coming back to the story — his most famous creation — and he's been dropping hints he wanted to return to do more. 'But the fact that it's been officially green-lit by the Beeb and wheels are in motion on pre- production will be a huge thrill to fans of the show, which was a huge hit for the BBC.' Cast and crew are expected to start filming in September. The new series will air on BBC One in the UK but be distributed internationally by streaming giant Netflix — also behind the film. Peaky Blinders ran from 2013 to 2022, with the action starting in 1919 and taking in the 1920s and 1930s. Cillian Murphy, who appears in the new film, could return as crime boss Thomas Shelby but as a 'father figure' to younger gang members. It would be a similar role to that of his aunt Polly Gray, played by the late Helen McCrory. Barry Keoghan Joins Peaky Blinders Movie! After the end of the TV series, writer Stephen dropped multiple hints of a return. Discussing the upcoming film recently, he said: 'The world of 'Peaky' will continue.' The BBC has declined to comment.
