Saturday 22 July 2006

In 2006 Sadler's Wells took to the streets of Islington with it's first ever Brazilian Carnival - a tropical afternoon of infectious live music, samba dancing and visual spectacle to launch the summer samba show Brasil Brasileiro.

The carnival route went down Rosebery Avenue and Spafield Street, through Exmouth Market and Tysoe Street and back up to Sadler's Wells. Visitors were able to browse the Brazilian food and crafts markets, experience carnival face painting, observe a Capoeira Roda and take part in an al fresco samba class in the street outside the theatre.

The highlight was the spectacular Brazilian Carnival itself, fronted by London's leading carnival groups Paraiso School of Samba, Quilombo do Samba and Mandinga Arts plus the bateria of the legendary Rio samba school Mangueira, with singer Leandro dos Santos. A vibrant performance outside Sadler's Wells featuring Leandro and the musicians of the Mangueira bateria brought the day to a sensational climax.