COPS have so far made 38 arrests at Notting Hill Carnival.
The alleged offences included drug possession, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Carnival Police patrol the streets of Notting Hill[/caption]
The streets of West London were packed full of people enjoying the party atmosphere[/caption]
Cops enjoyed all the action of the carnival – there is no suggestion the woman pictured has been arrested[/caption]
There were 10 arrests for assault and two for sexual assault.
It was the first time in two years that Europe’s largest street carnival was held in West London after the festivities were scrapped due to the Covid pandemic.
An estimated one million people will attend over the next two days and will fill the streets with colour.
The day 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.
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Co-founder of the club Jules Stephenson said: “It (the atmosphere) is electric – everyone is so excited about carnival being back.”
Sunday, traditionally “family day”, saw bright and dazzling costumes as the carnival procession made its way through Ladbroke Grove.
Crowds of young children blowing whistles danced down the streets with their parents in tow.
As huge crowds gathered on day one, two people were injured when a bus shelter collapsed in the Ladbroke Grove area.
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Several people were seen standing and dancing on top of it before the incident, with those watching heard to gasp and exclaim in shock as the group fell through the top of the shelter.
The two people affected suffered minor injuries and did not need further treatment, police said.
Meanwhile, a police horse on duty at Notting Hill Carnival has died.
The Metropolitan Police said the animal collapsed at about 9pm on Sunday and was given emergency care but died at the scene.
The force said it is too early to determine the cause of death and that there will be an investigation into what happened.
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.”
She added: “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 carried 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.”
CELEBRATION OF CARIBBEAN CULTURE
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.”
‘GREAT ATMOSPHERE’
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.”
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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.”
Cops said six people had been arrested for public order offences[/caption]
The Met Police said, so far, they had arrested five people for possession of drugs at the festival[/caption]
