Many adults and children will sport traditional South American dress during the festival

»Exploding in joyous and colourful fiesta glory, Carnaval del Pueblo is coming to the new London Pleasure Gardens at the Royal Docks.

With 19 Latin American countries represented, three stages and two tents, the 11 hours of festival fun is billed as the largest celebration of its kind in Europe.

Now in its 14th year, the festival, on Saturday, August 18, is a celebration of South America for expat communities in the capital.

Music

Special guests include Fulanito, from the Dominican Republic, salsa star Tato Marenco, from Colombia, Oi Brazil and many more bands.

Also featuring is Mexican dance troupe, Mestizo Folklore Group, who will be bringing traditional Mexican music, mariachi and dance.

Inspired by the vibrant costumes and dances from the world famous carnivals of Rio de Janeiro, Colombia, Mexico, Cuba, Bolivia and Ecuador, Carnaval Del Pueblo features Latin music, in all its colourful glory.

Revellers can enjoy regional food, drink, music and dance late into the night. Other stage and areas include a Brazilian Hub an Ecuadorian Dome, a Bolivian area with activities showcasing the world renowned Oruro Carnival and its spectacular dance and costumes, children’s attractions such as bouncy castles, waterballs and bungee trampolines and a dance area to salsa and zumba all day long.

And it is all free, courtesy of the Mayor of London, with support from the Arts Council of England.

n Full details can be found at www.londonpleasuregardens.com and www.carnavaldelpueblo.co.uk.