TEENAGERS from Islington took centre stage at the Notting Hill Carnival as they opened the weekend’s party with a dance.

About 40 youngsters, who had practiced for weeks in Islington youth clubs, took to the stage as the opening act in front of hundreds of revellers at the iconic Afro-Caribbean street festival on Sunday.

The performance, now in its fifth official year, is organised by the Indigo Prxject [sic], which runs a five-week summer programme for 14- to 24-year-olds in the borough.

Founder Stephanie Papadopoulos said: “We were all so excited and nervous. The weather was great and we got everyone there on time, which is a big thing when organising a youth event.

“It was incredible. They did so well putting on a great show with super high energy.”

She added: “The carnival is all about a celebration of diversity and it’s a platform for the kids to feel a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves.”

The group was due to perform again at the Platform Youth Hub in Holloway last night (Thursday).