Usain Bolt and West Indian culture in the UK

In celebration of Usain Bolt’s spectacular success this year and to commemorate Jamaican Independence Day, we took a look at some of the places you can enjoy Afro-Caribbean culture in Britain. Brixton, London by johnny2love on flickr For Afro-Caribbean food and music, Brixton Market should definitely be on your list. All kinds of events take place here too, from artists and makers days to the annual Brixton Experience. For authentic Caribbean jerk chicken, Negril is one of the most popular places for dinner, while Jeff the Chef outside the station can sort you out with a jerk snack on the go. by bortescristian on flickr Dalston, London by bareknuckleyellow on Flickr                                    by bortescristian on Flickr Dalston is a bustling district of bars, café, markets and live music of all kinds. You’ll find a great assortment of Afro-Carribean food here, from jerk chicken shops like Peppers & Spice to Centerprise Trust which is half restaurant, half Afro-Caribbean cultural centre. Enjoy some food and browse the bookshop here, where readings and poetry events take place frequently. Open the Gate is a café and live music venue dedicated to Afro-Caribbean culture. It regularly hosts film screenings, arts exhibitions and drumming workshops. Nearby Passing Clouds hosts a range of world music, including Afro-Latin Jazz, reggae, world, funk and hip hop and holds weekly jam sessions for musicians. Notting Hill Carnival Of all the carnivals that take place across the UK, the best known is the Notting Hill Carnival. The biggest of its kind in Europe, it’s a three day extravaganza of reggae, dub, dance and world music, West Indian cooking, fabulous costumes and dancing. Richly decorated floats drive in a procession through the streets of West London followed by a train of dancers while crowds of spectators join in the fun. Major Caribbean carnivals also take place each year in Manchester, Leicester and Coventry. Bob Marley at the British Music Experience by Piano Piano! on Flickr The British Music Experience brings you face to face with the musical sensations which have shaped the world. This year a special exhibition pays tribute to Bob Marley, and his impact on reggae music worldwide. Discover one of reggae’s biggest legends through a collection of objects, photographs and footage borrowed from the Marley family. One Love Festival by ami_harikoshi on Flickr If you fancy immersing yourself in Afro-Caribbean music for a weekend, the ultimate British reggae and dub festival is the One Love Festival. It takes place among the rolling green hills and traditional oasthouses of Kent, and brings you two full days of fantastic music.  Usain Bolt at Madame Tussauds See the legend in the flesh! Well, almost. You can see a near-perfect waxwork which is just what Madame Tussauds does best. Celebrate Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt’s stunning athletic prowess at Madame Tussauds.