TOURISM NEEDS YOU

The best news we’ve had for months is that travel is, at last, opening up, with just-for-fun trips allowed across the country. Finally, it’s our chance to cast off the cobwebs of this cruel winter and embrace the freedom of that most precious thing: the open road. Lockdown has been devastating for tourism and there is more hardship ahead, particularly while our international borders remain closed. Most providers are raring to go and eager to welcome you back. If you have the time and the means, do venture out — of course, with as much caution as possible while the pandemic continues. Every contribution to a local business — a restaurant, a hotel, a tour guide — is an investment in your own sanity, and a kindness to the many people whose livelihoods depend on your support.

And that’s a win-win.

If you’re still enjoying travel of the armchair variety, or you just have a hankering for foreign shores, then block off this coming weekend to attend one of London’s largest festivals, which is taking the revelry digital this year.

Pictured here “in happier times” (ie last year), this famed festival started in 1966 as an offshoot of the Trinidad Carnival, celebrating Caribbean culture and traditions in London. Taking place over the last weekend in August (which in England includes a public holiday), it typically attracts more than a million people.

The website (nhcarnival.org) promises free live-streamed DJs, steel bands and calypso music, food and drink shows, and interviews between August 29 and 31, while “mas” groups — street performers in elaborate costumes — will bring a flavour of the traditional parade.

● To stand a chance of winning R500, tell us the name of the carnival. E-mail travelquiz@sundaytimes.co.za before noon on Tuesday August 25. Last week’s winner is Mahomed Said of Lenasia. The correct answer was MSC Grandiosa.