Thu | Sep 19, 2024

Colour, fun and revelry at Notting Hill Carnival

Published:Tuesday | August 27, 2024 | 12:08 AM
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Participants take part in the Children’s Day Parade, part of the Notting Hill Carnival celebration in west London, Sunday.
AP
Participants take part in the Children’s Day Parade, part of the Notting Hill Carnival celebration in west London, Sunday.
These youngsters have fun at Notting Hill Carnival’s Children’s Day Parade on Sunday.
AP
These youngsters have fun at Notting Hill Carnival’s Children’s Day Parade on Sunday.
Crowds on Ladbroke Grove, London, during the Notting Hill Carnival celebration in west London, on Monday.
AP
Crowds on Ladbroke Grove, London, during the Notting Hill Carnival celebration in west London, on Monday.
Dancers prepare to take part in the Notting Hill Carnival celebration in west London, Monday.
AP
Dancers prepare to take part in the Notting Hill Carnival celebration in west London, Monday.
Revelry on the road at the Children’s Day Parade, part of the Notting Hill Carnival celebration in west London.
AP
Revelry on the road at the Children’s Day Parade, part of the Notting Hill Carnival celebration in west London.
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Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s biggest celebration of Caribbean heritage, arts, and culture, unfolded over three days starting last Saturday, with the curtains coming down with a bang on Monday.

Dubbed “one of the largest annual street parties in the world”, the sounds of the steel drums signalled the start of the festivities on Saturday evening, and revellers came out in their numbers to witness Panorama, the UK’s biggest steel pan competition. Competing bands for 2024 were Croydon Steel Orchestra, Ebony Steelband (the defending champions,) Mangrove Steelband, Metronomes Steel Orchestra, and Real Steel.

It was followed by the Children and Families’ Day on Sunday, a day known for its family-friendly activities, with the main event being Children’s Mas.

On Monday, the Adult’s Parade took centrestage with colourful and enthusiastic costumed revellers upping the energy ante showing off the latest dance moves and the sound systems blaring the songs from reggae to soca to calypso, dancehall, and so much more.

One million people were estimated to attend this year’s West London event, which has been running for more than 50 years.

The carnival is free for everyone.