Notting Hill Carnival Day 2: Revellers and performers head out in flamboyant outfits

Dancers dressed in colourful feathered outfits headed out to enjoy the second day of the Notting Hill Carnival today after the party returned to the streets of West London for the first time in three years.

Some 13 steel bands, 72 mast bands, six Brazilian bands, 36 sound systems and 300 stalls are involved in this year’s festival – with today known as the ‘Adults Day Parade and Carnival’, running from 10.30am until 8.30pm.

Notting Hill Carnival is the largest street carnival in Europe and an estimated two million people are expected to attend over the course of the Bank Holiday weekend. The carnival first started in 1966, when about 1,000 people attended, and is a popular way in which African and Caribbean communities celebrate their culture and traditions.

Scotland Yard revealed there had been 38 arrests made by 7.30pm last night – including ten for assault, two for sexual assault and others for drug possession, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon. 

The total number of arrests at the 2019 event was 353, compared to 374 in 2018, 313 in 2017 and 454 in 2016. The Metropolitan Police said the most recent carnival in 2019 cost it £8.6million to police. The festival does however bring hundreds of thousands of tourists into London and creates an estimated £120million for the economy. 

It comes after a bus stop collapsed during the carnival yesterday when a group of revellers danced on its roof. A huge crowd watching people on top of the Kensal House bus shelter on Ladbroke Grove were heard to gasp and exclaim in shock as the top gave way and the revellers fell onto the pavement, nearly crushing four people below.

Two people suffered minor injuries but did not need further treatment after the incident, which came at the end of ‘family day’ which saw bright and dazzling costumes as the carnival procession made its way along the streets.

Meanwhile one video showed two men punching each other before being pulled apart by others, after people around them were dancing and singing ‘Don’t Worry About A Thing’ to Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds.

In addition, a police horse died on duty last night after collapsing at about 9pm. It received emergency care but died at the scene. It is too early to determine the cause of death and there will be an investigation, officers said.

Yesterday kicked off with members of the Emancipated Run Crew – dressed in green in tribute to those who died at Grenfell – beginning the parade and marking the official launch of Notting Hill Carnival.

Crowds of young children blowing whistles danced down the streets with their parents in tow. Co-founder of the club Jules Stephenson said: ‘It (the atmosphere) is electric – everyone is so excited about carnival being back.’

The two-day festival has had a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. 

Elsewhere, Carina Charles, 40, a nurse from Basildon, said: ‘I like the togetherness of the people and the mixture of the culture.

‘My Caribbean music, the soca music is what I love the most. Everybody is jovial – they are excited after coming out of lockdown after three years.’

Different sound systems dotted around the streets of West London entertained the dancing crowds as revellers smiled to the booming music.

Small children standing on the doorsteps of their houses waved Jamaican flags and waved at passers-by.

Shauna Walsh, 38, who lives in Kensal Rise, said: ‘The atmosphere has been really uplifting and warming – it is nice to be back.’

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: ‘As a Londoner I’m really pleased carnival is back.’

He said carnival was celebrating Caribbean culture, heritage, and history and there was a ‘pent up’ demand for festivities this year.

He added: ‘We think it’s going to be the biggest and best ever.’

But Mr Khan also warned the cost-of-living crisis had affected the carnival.

He said: ‘We are seeing those who want to have floats, those who want to have sound systems, pulling out because they can’t afford to pay their bills.’

Farah Mokaddem, 32, travelled from Geneva to attend Notting Hill Carnival this year. She said: ‘I always wanted to go here.’

She added: ‘The atmosphere is very animated: everyone is on their balconies and on the terrace. And people of all ages are watching as people go past.’

Paul Wright, 36, an account manager from Ealing, said: ‘There’s a great atmosphere, everyone seems to be having a good time. I think there’s more people here for a good time rather than any incidents.’

He added that it was a ‘nice thing’ where everyone came together and had a nice time. Mr Wright joked: ‘The weather can always be better.’