Revellers Take Over West London Streets for Second Day of Notting Hill Carnival
The streets of west London are alive with colour, music, and dancing as the Notting Hill Carnival continues into its second day. The city’s biggest street party, celebrating Caribbean culture, has seen families, dancers, and musicians flood the area, bringing vibrant energy to every corner.
Sunday marked the children’s day, with bright costumes, energetic parades, and lively performances. But the festivities are far from over. Monday’s main parade promises even more spectacle as more than a million visitors are expected to join the carnival.
Jeff Sam, 74, shared his excitement: “We are here to enjoy ourselves and we know it’s going to be a fantastic day, something you have never dreamed in your life.
You’re going to see Brazilian bands, you’re going to see Caribbean bands, you’re going to see bands from all over the world coming and performing in beautiful costumes.”
Groups from across the UK and beyond are showcasing unique performances. Matt Vernon, from Beat Carnival in Belfast, revealed how his team prepared puppets to honour Sonny Blacks, “a key member of Notting Hill Carnival in the early days”.
“We built them very quickly, but very professionally in the last two weeks,” he explained. “We leapt to the challenge and were very honored to be asked to create these things.”
Vernon also mentioned that displaying the puppets took “a lot of core muscles and good vibes” to pull off at Carnival.
International performers are also making their mark. Derillio Alexander, 33, who usually performs in Amsterdam, is joining the festivities with Ebony Steel Band. “It’s gonna be a big party,” he said. “We’re gonna bust the place. It’s always a pleasure to be here and we’re gonna do our thing.”
After the adult parade winds down, the party continues in Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park and Powis Square with sound systems and live music stages. However, all major music will pause at 15:00 for a 72-second silence to honour the 72 lives lost in the Grenfell Tower fire.
The moment will also remember those who have passed during past Carnival events and pay tribute to Kelso Cochrane, whose 1959 murder helped catalyse the carnival’s inception.
Despite travel disruptions in the area, the Notting Hill Carnival continues to attract crowds eager to celebrate music, culture, and community. For updates on city transport and security measures.
On the first day of the event, 140 arrests were reported, highlighting the need for extra vigilance amid the celebrations.
