Notting Hill Carnival climaxes with joyful celebrations

People were partying atop floats followed by feathered mas bands as the smell of jerk chicken filled the air

Revellers having fun on the final day of the Notting Hill Carnival (James Manning/PA) (PA Wire)

Colourfully-costumed revellers paraded through the streets of west London on Monday marking the climax of Notting Hill Carnival.

The annual celebration of Caribbean culture and history saw thousands take part in an exuberant adult parade.

People were partying atop floats followed by feathered mas bands dancing to the beat.

Meanwhile the sweet, smoky scent of jerk chicken filled the side streets where sound systems played everything from rare groove to house, samba, reggae and ska.

It is expected that more than 2 million people will have taken to the streets of Notting Hill by the end of the bank holiday as the carnival, Europe’s biggest street party, celebrates two landmark anniversaries.

Performers arrive to take part in the main parade of the Notting Hill Carnival (AFP via Getty Images)

The introduction of sound systems and mas bands 50 years ago transformed it into a large-scale event and the docking of the Empire Windrush 75 years ago heralded mass immigration from the Caribbean.

On Sunday evening the Metropolitan Police said the mood at the carnival had been “good-natured throughout the day” as they announced that a Section 60 order, providing officers with additional search powers, would be imposed overnight until 2am.

Carnival goers stand next to police officers (EPA)

The force described it as a “precautionary step” following “information” that some people had travelled to the area carrying knives.

In an update released just before midnight on Sunday, the Met said 85 people had been arrested, including 11 for sexual assault and 10 for assault on a police officer.

Dozens of officers were seen on Monday patrolling local parks and searching through bins for suspicious items and under the tarpaulin laid down to protect the grass.

A performer parades in costume on the final day of Notting Hill Carnival (Getty Images)

On Monday morning, the Metropolitan Police announced a second section 60 order, providing officers with additional search powers, after their first one expired at 2am.

The new order, which followed new “intellegence” about weapons in the area, will expire at 2am on Tuesday.

Officers could be seen combing through bushes and bins in local parks searching for suspicious items after the section 60 order came into effect at 11.30am.

In an update on X, formerly Twitter, Met Police deputy assistant commissioner Ade Adeleken who is leading the policing operation, said: “The introduction of today’s s60 order does not change the policing style we have adopted for the event, and our officers will continue to provide a professional, respectful presence and sensitive approach to crowds to ensure the event can be enjoyed safely by all.”