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Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival
IMAGE SOURCE,REUTERS/HENRY NICHOLLS
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Those involved in the processions said it was their "moment of claiming
the streets and having a really good time"
Notting Hill Carnival has returned to west London's streets for the
first time since 2019.
The Covid-19 pandemic forced the event to be put on hold in 2020 and 2021.
Sunday's event began with a run to remember the 72 victims of the
Grenfell Tower fire and a 72-second silence was held at 15:00 BST.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he would "never forget" the tragedy that
took place in June 2017 and said the community wanted "justice".
"What the community wants is two main things," Mr Khan said.
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"One is for justice to happen and for those responsible be held to
account and that still hasn't happened. And secondly for this to never
happen again."
Notting Hill Carnival goers
IMAGE SOURCE,VICTORIA JONES/PA WIRE
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The two-day carnival returns to the streets of west London for the first
time since 2019
Notting Hill Carnival goers
IMAGE SOURCE,EPA/ANDY RAIN
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In total, 39 sound systems and two live stages were due to take part
The carnival's chief executive, Matthew Phillips, said although the
pandemic had affected previous years, this year the cost of living
crisis was the biggest worry.
He said some bands could not appear and the flamboyant costumes that
featured in the main parade would be unaffordable for some.
Crowds and floats at Notting Hill Carnival
IMAGE SOURCE,REUTERS/HENRY NICHOLLS
Image caption,
The streets of west London were filled with carnival-goers on Sunday
Children at Notting Hill Carnival
IMAGE SOURCE,REUTERS/HENRY NICHOLLS
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Children said they were "looking forward to the music and dancing"
Linett Kamala, who is on the carnival's board of trustees, said it had
been expensive to stage the event.
"It is a free event but there's absolutely a cost to all of us involved
in terms of materials, equipment hire, and storage hire," she said.
"It's been tough for all of the carnivalists, we've been affected by the
pandemic too, but that's not deterred us, people will see an amazing
carnival this year."
Notting Hill Carnival goers
IMAGE SOURCE,VICTORIA JONES/PA WIRE
Image caption,
The Notting Hill Carnival tyically attracts an estimated two million
people to the streets of west London
Children at Notting Hill Carnival
IMAGE SOURCE,EPA/ANDY RAIN
Image caption,
Many children have been experiencing their first Notting Hill Carnival
Marelle Steblecki, 29, said she was "excited" to finally wear a costume
she had planned to wear pre-pandemic.
"I've had my particular costume, which is rose gold, purple and teal
booked with my carnival band since 2018, so I've been waiting to wear
this for two years," she said.
"The carnival band that I'm playing with chose their theme as Africa. It
is good for people to see that there are true influences behind each
costume."
Notting Hill Carnival goers
IMAGE SOURCE,REUTERS/HENRY NICHOLLS
Image caption,
Organisers said people had been "working tirelessly" in preparation for
the event
Person on stilts at Notting Hill Carnival
IMAGE SOURCE,REUTERS/HENRY NICHOLLS
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The community-led celebration of music, dancing, food and drink is
rooted in Caribbean culture
A second 48-hour bus strike in parts of west London could affect those
attending the event.
Sadiq Khan urged everyone attending to arrive early and to make the most
of the celebration.
"This community-led celebration of Caribbean history and culture has
become one of the world's biggest street festivals and part of the very
fabric of this city," he said.
Notting Hill Carnival goers
IMAGE SOURCE,VICTORIA JONES/PA WIRE
Image caption,
Participants said they were looking forward to seeing their creations
"brought to life" at the event
Parade at Notting Hill Carnival
IMAGE SOURCE,VICTORIA JONES/PA WIRE
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Sunday is designated as "family day" at the carnival
There would be another 72-second silence at 15:00 BST on Monday to
honour those who died in the Grenfell tragedy, organisers said.
The blaze destroyed Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017, claiming the lives
of 72 residents.
Organisers said on Twitter: "We ask all those planning to attend this
year's carnival and the participating bands and sound systems to work
with us as organisers and the community to help pay our respects.
"We stand by the Grenfell community and support them wholeheartedly."
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Crowds at Notting Hill Carnival
IMAGE SOURCE,VICTORIA JONES/PA WIRE
Notting Hill Carnival
The event takes place on the August Bank Holiday in Notting Hill,
Westbourne Park and parts of Kensington
The spectacle of music, dancing, food and drink is rooted in Caribbean
culture, and has been influenced by the Windrush generation
Over the past 55 years it has grown to become the second-biggest
carnival in the world, after the one held in Rio de Janeiro
The event aims to "promote unity and bring people of all ages together"
The first festival was put on by Rhaune Laslett, who lived in Notting
Hill and wanted to highlight and celebrate the diversity in her area
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The Metropolitan Police said thousands of officers were on duty to keep
the public safe.
Commander Dr Alison Heydari said: "Being able to attend Carnival in
person has been sorely missed for the last couple of years, so we are
expecting large crowds in the Notting Hill area this weekend.
"We are also working to keep the area safe with the festival organisers
implementing 'safer spaces' where women and girls can go and seek advice
from specially trained professionals, as well as the police.
"Our officers are here to help you, if you feel like something doesn't
look right please speak with us."
Children at Notting Hill Carnival
IMAGE SOURCE,EPA/ANDY RAIN
Image caption,
Carnival-goers said the event was a way of "expressing our freedom"
Notting Hill Carnival goers
IMAGE SOURCE,EPA/ANDY RAIN
Image caption,
Linett Kamala said Sunday was "very special" as it was "children's day"
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