The final day of the Notting Hill Carnival has commenced in a vibrant display of costumes and performances, with floats parading through the streets of West London. The renowned annual event, recognized as Europe’s largest street party, has drawn an estimated two million attendees over the course of the bank holiday weekend.
The streets are alive with revelers dancing atop floats and adorned with feathered bands moving to the rhythm of the music. The air is infused with the tempting aroma of jerk chicken, while sound systems play a diverse range of music genres from rare groove to house, samba, reggae, and ska.
Originating from the late 1950s and 60s, the Notting Hill Carnival is a community-driven celebration that pays homage to Caribbean culture through music, dance, cuisine, and drinks. This year’s parade places a particular emphasis on “adults day,” characterized by lively dancing and revelry. The festival also commemorates the 75th anniversary of the docking of HMT Empire Windrush. The carnival’s evolution over the past five decades, with the introduction of sound systems and mas bands, has turned it into a grand-scale spectacle.
Throughout London, streets are animated with colorfully attired samba dancers and bands parading with exuberance. The atmosphere is filled with blaring music, and participants adorned with feathers and jewels have meticulously adorned their outfits for the occasion.
Authorities are actively overseeing the event to ensure safety. The Metropolitan Police announced a Section 60 order that grants officers enhanced search powers, imposed overnight until 2am. This precautionary measure follows information about individuals potentially carrying knives in the area. An update from the police indicated that 85 individuals had been arrested, including 11 for sexual assault and 10 for assault on a police officer. Officers are patrolling local parks and diligently searching for suspicious items.
A poignant moment was observed during the carnival when participants engaged in a 72-second silence to honor those who lost their lives in the Grenfell Tower fire. The carnival’s organizers called on attendees, bands, and sound systems to unite in paying their respects during this reflective pause.
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