Thousands gather to join the carnival in London

Exotic dancers, vibrant music and the smell of Caribbean food livened up London yesterday as Europe’s biggest street festival hit the capital.

Thousands of people cheered Notting Hill Carnival’s colourful procession through the sunny streets to the beat of steel drums and sound systems.

Lines of traditional floats and brightly costumed dancers paraded along the three-and-a-half mile route during the event which marks the carnival’s 48th year. The party atmosphere saw face-painted children and families dancing on the sidelines and even police officers showed off their moves in front of the crowds.

Yesterday was the carnival’s family day and children and young people travelled on many of the floats from schools, community groups and sports clubs which were decorated with flags, flowers, feathers and jewels.