Revellers hit the streets for Notting Hill Carnival's main parade

As the second day of the Notting Hill Carnival began with the main parade, the party atmosphere in west London was in full swing. On Sunday, the streets came alive with vibrant costumes, music, and dancing during the children’s day celebrations of Europe’s biggest street festival. The parade continues throughout Monday, showcasing the heart of Caribbean culture and heritage. The carnival, which has honoured Caribbean traditions for more than 50 years, remains one of London’s most anticipated summer events.

“We are here to enjoy ourselves, and we know it’s going to be a wonderful day – something you may never have imagined in your life,” one reveller said. “You’re going to see Brazilian bands, Caribbean bands, and groups from around the world, all performing in dazzling costumes.”

Lauren, one of the performers, estimated her outfit contained about 500 jewels. She explained that her sister had designed the costume while she made the tiara herself. “The tiaras take around two hours each,” she told BBC London. “They start off as wire, which we wrap with fabric before adding the gemstones.”

Matt Vernon, from Beat Carnival in Belfast, spoke of his group’s performance, which featured puppets created to honour Sonny Blacks – a key figure in the early days of Notting Hill Carnival. “We built them quickly, though not perfectly, in the last two weeks,” he admitted. “But we rose to the challenge and were humbled to be asked to design them. The puppets need strong core muscles and good energy to parade at Carnival.”

Derillio Alexander, 33, who is based mainly in Amsterdam, said he was performing with the Ebony Steel Band. “It’s going to be a big party,” he said. “We’re going to light up the place. It’s always a pleasure to be here, and we’ll do our thing.”

More than a million people are expected to attend the festivities. Carnival chair Ian Comfort said this year’s event had so far been “spectacular and safe,” but warned that funding remained vital to keep the tradition alive. He revealed that he had written to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy in June requesting government support.

“It’s important that bands get financial backing,” Mr Comfort explained. “Without sponsorship, you don’t have the costumes, and without costumes, there’s no parade. Safety also depends on funding – this year we’ve invested heavily in staffing and new technology to make Carnival safer.”

He added that more people were interested in learning about the roots of the event. “People must understand why Carnival was created. It brings people together. Its purpose is unity, and that must continue. Carnival is a success because everyone embraces it – no matter who they are – they come to celebrate and enjoy themselves.”

The celebrations continue at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park and Powis Square, with sound systems and live performances following the Adults’ Parade. At 15:00, all major music and sound systems will pause for a 72-second silence in memory of the 72 people who died in the Grenfell Tower fire, as well as others who have lost their lives at Carnival over the years. The silence will also honour Kelso Cochrane, whose killing in 1959 was one of the catalysts for the creation of the event.