Festival fever hits west London
- 12 years ago
Children took centre stage in London's Notting Hill on Sunday (August 26), as Europe's largest street festival got underway with thousands of revellers dancing to the beat of drums and sound systems.
This year over a million people are expected to line the streets over the next two days to watch the loud and colourful parade.
Festival organiser Lewis Benn said the party spirit was the best part of the weekend.
(SOUNDBITE) Notting Hill Festival organiser, Lewis Benn, saying (English):
"And it's a fantastic atmosphere, leading on from the celebratory atmosphere from the Olympics."
More than 5,000 police officers were also deployed on Sunday to ensure Carnival-goers were safe.
The event's encountered problems in the past with violence and drugs, but trouble has so far been kept to a minimum, according to MET Police Commander Christine Jones.
(SOUNDBITE) Metropolitan Police Commander, Christine Jones, saying (English):
"It's been pretty peaceful. We hope to see that that continues throughout today and tomorrow."
What began as a small party in the late 1950s is now one of the most prominent multi-cultural events in the U.K. capital.
The Notting Hill Carnival will reach its climax on Monday (August 27) with a Rio-style Caribbean-inspired parade.
This year over a million people are expected to line the streets over the next two days to watch the loud and colourful parade.
Festival organiser Lewis Benn said the party spirit was the best part of the weekend.
(SOUNDBITE) Notting Hill Festival organiser, Lewis Benn, saying (English):
"And it's a fantastic atmosphere, leading on from the celebratory atmosphere from the Olympics."
More than 5,000 police officers were also deployed on Sunday to ensure Carnival-goers were safe.
The event's encountered problems in the past with violence and drugs, but trouble has so far been kept to a minimum, according to MET Police Commander Christine Jones.
(SOUNDBITE) Metropolitan Police Commander, Christine Jones, saying (English):
"It's been pretty peaceful. We hope to see that that continues throughout today and tomorrow."
What began as a small party in the late 1950s is now one of the most prominent multi-cultural events in the U.K. capital.
The Notting Hill Carnival will reach its climax on Monday (August 27) with a Rio-style Caribbean-inspired parade.