Carnival to send defiant message.

A MIDLAND city is staging the region's answer to the Notting Hill Carnival in a drive to bring the community together - and send a defiant message to the far right.

The Six Towns One City Carnival takes place in Stoke-on-Trent today with live music, sport, DJs and family entertainment.

The event comes at a time when the BNP has secured a foothold in the city, and seeks to elect a BNP mayor.

"The City of Stoke-on-Trent is made up of six towns," explains show spokesman Richard Swancott. "We thought the name would promote unity, which is the intention of the event. Our slogan 'United Strength is Stronger' is also the city's motto.

"The idea of the carnival is to bring the various sections of the city's community together, and promote community cohesion. This is something which has been sadly lacking in the city of late, as demonstrated by the rise of the BNP.

"At present they have nine councillors, and one of the BNP hierarchy's stated goals is to elect a BNP mayor in the city.

"The carnival is designed to show groups like the BNP that we will not tolerate their activity in our city. But rather than take on a negative, political edge, we have organised something which will entertain people of all ages and backgrounds."

Today's event in Hanley Park boasts performances from a local bands and DJs, a five-a-side competition featuring teams representing the various communities in the city, a funfair, children's entertainments and a host of market stalls. It runs from 10am to 8pm, with thousands of people expected.