Notting Hill Carnival is an annual celebration of Caribbean culture and diversity in London.
The festival started in 1966 on the streets of the Notting Hill area of Kensington and has taken place every August bank holiday weekend ever since, other than forced cancellations during Covid.
By the time of the first Notting Hill Carnival, over 30,000 Caribbean people were living in the UK after the SS Empire Windrush’s arrival.
Trinidadian human rights activist Claudia Jones is credited with the first ideas for the carnival.
The first outdoor festival took place in 1966 and was organised by social worker and activist Rhaune Leslett.
The aim was to create an outdoor space to be enjoyed by children and the local West Indian community.
Today the event attracts over 2.5 million people annually making it one of the world’s biggest street parties.
We’ve taken a look at Notting Carnival over the years from its origins in 1966 to today’s colourful celebrations.
By the time of the first Notting Hill Carnival, over 30,000 Caribbean people were living in the UK after the SS Empire Windrush’s arrival.
9. Metronomes, one of Britain's leading steelbands "livestream" a performance in west London on August 28, 2020
Notting Hill Carnival was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. | AFP via Getty Images
10. Notting Hill Carnival performers take part in the main parade on August 29, 2022
The Caribbean carnival returns to the streets of Notting Hill after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic | Getty Images