EXPERT ADVICE: Southampton carnival organisers learn skills from their Notting Hill counterparts.

EXPERTS from the world-famous Notting Hill carnival have been called in to make this year's Southampton Carnival the best ever.

Groups taking part in the spectacular will be receiving top tips about costumes and floats from carnival veterans from London as part of the preparations.

The countdown for the event is already under way, and organisers are urging as many people as possible to become involved in making Carnival 99 the city's most spectacular community-run event.

Some of the best designers from London, including the Perpetual Beauty Carnival Club and Rampage, will be demonstrating how to make costumes which make an impact.

Workshops have been organised in the run up to the carnival, which takes place on Saturday July 17, includ-ing half-term sessions for youngsters to help create costumes representing the event's safari zone, Asian zone and Euro zone.

A theme suggested for this year's carnival is foods from around the world and it is possible dancing doughnuts, boogie burgers and funky fish and chips will be parading through the streets on the day.

Debbie Harry, one of the organisers, said they were working with the city council and had already made good progress. She added: "It is important that many people get involved - either as participants or spectators - to make this even better than last year's event."

If you want more details of the work-shops or the carnival call Tracy Renshaw on 01703 832457.

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