Notting Hill revellers dance in fabulous feather outfits as they hit the streets for famous carnival
REVELLERS in Notting Hill got the party started with some fantastic feather outfits for the first day of the world-famous Carnival.
The streets of West London were awash with colour as dancers made the most of the fine weather for the Children’s Day Parade.
The Notting Hill event, held over the August Bank Holiday is Europe’s largest street carnival and celebrates Caribbean culture and history.
One group of dancers wore Phoenix-like wings on their backs, while another group were decked out in all-red outfits and third group wore eye-catching flamboyant dresses.
Those who had come to watch and soak up the party atmosphere were soon covered in paint and flour as they took part in J’ouvert, the traditional opening to the two-day event.
It’s expected that one million people will attend the huge event on each day.
Pictures show the narrow streets around Ladbroke Grove teaming with bright colours as the party-loving people got into the spirit of things.
The Mayor of London has referred to the Notting Hill Carnival as “part of the very fabric of our city” as he expressed his delight about it returning “bigger and better than ever”.
Ahead of the event, Sadiq Khan has expressed his joy about it returning, in a statement.
“Notting Hill Carnival is one of the world’s biggest street festivals, and is part of the very fabric of our city,” he said.
“The community-led celebration of Caribbean history and culture embodies everything that makes London the greatest city in the world and, as we continue to work to build a fairer, more prosperous city for all, I’m delighted that it’s back, bigger and better than ever.”
He said that this’s year event will be “extra special” as “we mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush“, adding that the Windrush generation are “remarkable”.
Mr Khan also praised those who have contributed towards, or will be part of, the carnival, from the event organisers to emergency service personnel.
“This fantastic celebration would simply not be possible without the hard work of the event organisers and I want to thank them along with our brilliant emergency service personnel, from the police, to the London Ambulance and the London Fire Brigade, who will be working hard over the entire weekend to keep us all safe and to ensure Carnival can be enjoyed by all Londoners and visitors,” he said.
It comes after locals who live in the area boarded up their homes to stop drunk revellers fighting in their gardens.
Police made 209 arrests at Notting Hill Carnival last year for offences including drug possession, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon.
Takayo Nembhard, 21, who released drill music under the name TKorStretch, was stabbed to death.
Two female cops were also sexually assaulted with one allegedly grabbed around the neck and kissed on the face without her consent.
As a result, security boards were installed over hundreds of shops and houses along the route over fears the buildings will be “destroyed”.