Notting Hill Carnival 2023 latest LIVE: Sun is shining for second and final day of celebrations
The sun is shining for the second and final day of this year’s Notting Hill Carnival.
Bright smiles, detailed costumes and plenty of dancing were seen as the Children’s Day Parade on Saturday wound its way through W10.
Organisers, who billed the carnival as “the greatest community-l/{@ed event on the planet," said of the children’s parade: “It’s an undeniable joy to see the next generation carrying the carnival baton - dancing in the streets wearing their carefully crafted costumes."
Attendees also paid tribute to the 72 people who died in the Grenfell Tower fire, in a nearby block of flats in North Kensington in June 2017, with a 72-second silence which began at 3pm.
More than two million people are set to take part over the weekend as the carnival marks two landmark anniversaries - the docking of the Empire Windrush 75 years ago and the introduction of sound systems to the parade 50 years ago.
The carnival, Europe’s biggest street party, helps celebrate Caribbean culture and history.
More spectacular images coming out of Notting Hill 2023
16:34 , Barney Davis
Carnival is all about the flair, the audacity, the crowds, the locals as well as the tourists and the traders - a true celebration of all things Caribbean.
More stunning pictures are coming out of the final day every minute with celebrations in full flow this sunny afternoon.
Former police officer calls presence of riot police at carnival ‘over the top'
15:53 , Barney Davis
Chantelle Lunt, a former police officer-turned-activist, posted a video of lots of police officers streaming behind her as people partied at Notting Hill Carnival.
She said: “I haven’t been to carnival in a minute, but police in full riot gear and the area prepping like the apocalypse is coming was a tad ott. Carnival, as always, was epic!”
I swear the police must put a tracker on me in London, I'm never more than 5 ft away from a bizzie when I'm down 🙄.
🚔
Try again officers, you gotta wake up earlier than that to sneak up on me at Notting Hill 🤣
🖤
On a serious note: crime rates at Notting Hill are exactly the… pic.twitter.com/dzUwUH3pkL— Chantelle Lunt (@chantellelunt) August 28, 2023
Lunt, who left Merseyside Police in 2018, became a lecturer and founder of Merseyside BLM Alliance.
Labour MP jokes she may be too overdressed for Carnival
15:23 , Barney Davis
Dawn Butler, MP for Brent, joined thousands of others celebrating at Notting Hill Carnival on her Bank Holiday.
The Labour MP was wearing a mesh outfit celebrating her Jamaican heritage as she posed for photos accompanied by two performers.
Think I'm a little overdressed for #carnival #NottingHillCarnival lovely to meet Nessa and Malicia looking fabulous!! pic.twitter.com/UPPMSm01Zr
— Dawn Butler MP✊🏾💙 (@DawnButlerBrent) August 28, 2023
Grenfell moment of silence to take place at 3pm
14:49 , Barney Davis
Organisers have reminded Carnivalgoers to maintain a respectful 72 second silence to honour the 72 victims of Grenfell at 3pm on Monday.
72 Second Silence: Please remember to observe a 72-second silence at 3pm in honour of those who died in the Grenfell fire. We ask all attendees, participating bands & sound systems to work with us as organisers and the community to help pay our respects. #Grenfell #NHC2023 pic.twitter.com/I3IyA7rJYR
— Notting Hill Carnival (@NHCarnivalLDN) August 28, 2023
In a break from the glitz and glamour here is a list of the tube station closures you need to know about
14:32 , Barney Davis
TfL has announced the tube stations you can use as celebrations ramp up:
Ladbroke Grove: Fully closed
Holland Park: Exit only, will close at 3pm
Royal Oak: Exit only, will close at 6pm
Notting Hill Gate: Exit only
Queensway: Exit only
Westbourne Park: Exit only
Latimer Road: It could close during periods of the day to manage crowds
More fantastic images of a sunny Notting Hill Carnival
14:28 , Barney Davis
Some more incredible outfits are on show as dancers, drummers and soundsystems continue to fill the streets around Ladbroke Grove.
The adult parade is in full swing with the sound of steel drums, bass rumbling under the hazy smoke wafting from hundreds of jerk stalls providing for the million people expected at Europe’s biggest carnival.
Police announce more stop-and-search powers following weapon intelligence
13:01 , Barney Davis
Police have announced a s60 stop-and-search order covering Carnival until 2am for the second day running.
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.”
Policing operation update: Day two of Nottinghill Carnival.
A Section 60 order that provides police officers with additional powers to search people within a designated area, was authorised at 11:30hrs today.
The decision was taken following intelligence concerning weapons.— Metropolitan Police Events (@MetPoliceEvents) August 28, 2023
More than 2 million people expect to attend Notting Hill carnival
12:58 , Barney Davis
It is expected that more than two million people will turn up to Europe’s biggest street party as it celebrates two landmark anniversaries of Windrush and the introduction of sound systems to Carnival.
Notting Hill Carnival climaxes with joyful celebrations
Celebrations are very much underway in the capital with DJs promising a bigger and better party than on Sunday.
Hold on to your headdresses!
Leigh-Anne Pinnock stuns in Carnival outfit
12:38 , Barney Davis
Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock has revealed she will be performing her solo single My Love at Notting Hill after spending three hours getting ready.
Leigh-Anne is ready for Notting Hill Carnival! That outfit! 😍🔥#NottingHillCarnival #LeighAnne pic.twitter.com/5wwkF5SjX5
— Mixer Management (@mixermanagement) August 28, 2023
Will you be able to spot “the Carnival Queen” in the crowd of dancers for the incredible Reign Mas Band?
Westminster council hails ‘groovy’ carnival performance
12:16 , Barney Davis
Westminster council has taken the time to applaud the Elimu Mas Band who have performed at Carnival for over 30 years.
Notting Hill Carnival has kicked off with a groovy bang! 🥁🥁🎶🎵
The @ElimuMasBand wowed crowds with their performance 🤩💫
Thank you to everyone taking part in #NottingHillCarnival2023 on this sunny Bank Holiday Monday. We’re proud to be part of one of the world’s biggest and… pic.twitter.com/NkhlJrOw8W— Westminster City Council (@CityWestminster) August 28, 2023
The drummers stayed in time en masse to wow the judges and council teams.
The performers, emblazoned in red and white, aim to increase levels of “participation and performance” in London and beyond, according to their X bio.
Samba bands do their best to dazzle the judges with their colourful displays
11:46 , Barney Davis
TikTok user perfectly captures first day of Carnival
11:32 , Barney Davis
One TikTok user @Shansharif shared their experience from the festivities of the Children’s Day on Sunday.
Their video shows the range and mix of cultural heritages on show at the celebration - as well as an obligatory Arsenal fan.
Hoping for more of the same good vibes today.
Can’t make it down? Follow the festivities with this livestream from Notting Hill Carnival organisers
11:16 , Barney Davis
If you are unable to get down to Notting Hill or just keen to avoid the crowds.
You can still follow the action from the judge’s table from the safety of your living room on this live stream put on by Notting Hill Carnival LTD.
Good morning and welcome to the start of the second day of Notting Hill Carnival 2023
11:00 , Barney Davis
It’s time to get your whistles out and buckle up those festival shoes...
It is showtime for the colourfully costumed mas bands who will wind their way along the adult parade route through west London in a celebration of Caribbean culture and history.
The annual celebration of Caribbean culture and history will reach its climax on Monday with an exuberant adult parade.
Floats are already blaring music while feathered and bejewelled revellers add the final touches to their outfits.
The sweet, smoky scent of jerk chicken is filling the air as the first eager spectators gathered on the pavements.
Adult day coverage of Notting Hill Carnival to kick off at 11am
09:20 , Barney Davis
Good morning thousands are expected to line the streets for the second day of Notting Hill Carnival.
Our live coverage of the world-renowned event will kick off again at 11am.
Last night a top cop hailed the “largely good natured” atmosphere on the first day which saw 85 arrests.
Notting Hill Carnival sees ‘no major incidents’ on Children’s Day but 85 arrests
Live coverage ends
Sunday 27 August 2023 19:17 , Josh Salisbury
Thank you for joining our live coverage of the first day of the Notting Hill Carnival 2023.
For an overview of the day’s events, please visit here.
Notting Hill Carnival ‘good natured’ but 24 arrests made, say police
Sunday 27 August 2023 18:49 , Josh Salisbury
The Met Police have said that the mood at Notting Hill Carnival has been “good natured” throughout the day but that 24 arrests have been made in the Carnival area.
The force said that as the event moved into the evening, additional stop and search powers had been authorised as a precautionary step after the arrests, some of which were for possession of an offensive weapon.
Of the 24 arrests, suspected offences included being drunk and disorderly, possession of drugs, sexual assault and assault on an emergency worker, said police.
“This a precautionary step which does not change our policing approach,” said the Met. “Officers will continue to use their powers respectfully and sensitively as they have been doing throughout the event so far.”
A Section 60 order, providing officers with additional search powers, has been authorised from now until 2am at Notting Hill Carnival.
The decision has been taken in consultation with community representatives and partners.
Further information has been provided below: pic.twitter.com/jPy4L1CzhD— Metropolitan Police Events (@MetPoliceEvents) August 27, 2023
Pictured: Revellers covered in paint powder after Children’s Day Parade
Sunday 27 August 2023 17:15 , Josh Salisbury
Revellers have been pictured being covered in paint powder after the Children's Day Parade, the first day of the Notting Hill Carnival.
Pictured: Large crowds at Notting Hill Carnival
Sunday 27 August 2023 16:14 , Josh Salisbury
Large crowds are on the streets of west London to celebrate the carnival.
Carnival-goers observe silence for Grenfell Tower victims
Sunday 27 August 2023 15:22 , Josh Salisbury
Carnival-goers observed a 72-second silence at 3pm in memory of those who lost their lives in the Grenfell Tower fire.
In a tweet, the carnival said: “72 Second Silence: Please remember to observe a 72-second silence at 3pm in honour of those who died in the Grenfell fire.
“We ask all attendees, participating bands and sound systems to work with us as organisers and the community to help pay our respects.”
Notting Hill Carnival brings ‘unity in the community'
Sunday 27 August 2023 15:17 , Josh Salisbury
Notting Hill Carnival is all about “unity in the community”, revellers taking part in the street party have said.
“It’s all about unity in the community because that’s what Carnival brings, it brings all the unity to carnival to celebrate two days of fun and enjoyment,” Michael Lamond, owner of Rough But Sweet Sound System, which performs at Carnival every year, told Sky News.
His colleague, Elizabeth Broderick, added: “It brings all walks of life, all genres of music, all types of art, together for two days of celebration.”
TfL’s travel advice as Tube closures in place for Notting Hill Carnival
Sunday 27 August 2023 15:00 , Josh Salisbury
TfL is advising revellers hoping to travel to the Carnival to avoid Oxford Circus, Notting Hill Gate, Westbourne Park and Holland Park stations because they are extremely busy.
Instead, Londoners are being advised to use Paddington or Shepherd’s Bush stations and walk to the event, as these are less crowded.
Ladbroke Grove station is closed, and other stations in the area are exit only to manage congestion.
These include Notting Hill Gate, where the District and Circle lines will not stop until 6pm, Westbourne Park, Holland Park and Royal Oak.
For more information, visit the TfL website here.
London will be busy this bank holiday weekend with several major events including Notting Hill Carnival—plus smaller cultural, arts, sports and community activities happening across our city.
Please leave more time for your journey and plan ahead with @TfL— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) August 26, 2023
More pictures from Children’s Day Parade
Sunday 27 August 2023 14:13 , Bill Mcloughlin
Sound systems descend on Notting Hill
Sunday 27 August 2023 14:02 , Bill Mcloughlin
Following the Children’s Day Parade, the sound systems element has begun playing everything from Rare Groove to House to Samba.
Extensive road closures due to carnival
Sunday 27 August 2023 13:13 , Bill Mcloughlin
Extensive road closures are in place both today and tomorrow due to the carnival, Transport for London has said.
#NottingHillCarnival 🎉 Extensive road closures today & Monday; from Harrow Rd to the North, Notting Hill Gate to the South, West Cross Route / North Pole Rd to the West & Queensway to the East.
Incl. Ladbroke Grove, Kensal Rd, Westbourne Grove + A4207 Great Western Rd.#A40… pic.twitter.com/NHbS5otD1t— BBC Radio London Travel (@BBCTravelAlert) August 27, 2023
Pictures: Carnival in full swing
Sunday 27 August 2023 12:49 , Bill Mcloughlin
Drummers hit the streets of Notting Hill
Sunday 27 August 2023 11:22 , Bill Mcloughlin
@ #NottingHillCarnival peace out! #partytime pic.twitter.com/8zSoih9s8Z
— IM Fox (@cosmicomicfox) August 27, 2023
Local councillor delivers message to mark the carnival
Sunday 27 August 2023 10:44 , Bill Mcloughlin
We're at the start waiting for #NottingHillCarnival to officially begin! Cllr Emma Will is here to say a few words 🎉😃 pic.twitter.com/OxMR8F61xx
— Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (@RBKC) August 27, 2023
Watch: J’Ouvert in full swing
Sunday 27 August 2023 10:24 , Bill Mcloughlin
The traditional opening of the carnival, J’Ouvert, begins as crowds march through the streets of Notting Hill.
Jouvert morning nice! #NottingHillCarnival pic.twitter.com/xlPtf0Rh9q
— Richie ‘not so’ Brave (@RichieBrave) August 27, 2023
Pictures: Brazilian samba group hits the carnival
Sunday 27 August 2023 10:08 , Bill Mcloughlin
Members of the Dende Nation take to the streets for carnival to shine a light on sustainability.
“Carnival is like what we eat in Brazil - rice and beans - it is part of what we are”, said Ms Pinho, who is also the one of the dance co-ordinators, along with Rosaria Gracia, as well as the costume co-ordinator for the group.
“I was born in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, and my family and I would always go to Rio to have fun and just dance on the streets at their carnivals.
“In the UK, carnival is also done beautifully - it feels like an around-the-year event and it feels like we are a multicultural family,” said Mariana Pinho.
Samba reggae group to bring sustainability to forefront during carnival
Sunday 27 August 2023 09:16 , Bill Mcloughlin
A Samba reggae group participating in the Notting Hill Carnival hope to make sustainability “part of the party” as they don outfits made in Brazilian Samba schools that have been saved from landfill.
Dende Nation are to take to the streets of the west-London area on the children’s day of the Carnival on Sunday, moving to the beat of the Afro-Brazilian music and shining a light on sustainability through its Carnival project called Ebi Dende, which is derived from the Yoruba word for family – Ebi.
Drums used on the day have come from Taru Arts, which makes the instrument from recycled material and costumes to be worn originated from Samba schools in Rio and were used in the Rio Carnival via the Sustenta Carnaval Project.
Speaking about the environmental focus, Mariana Pinho, the project manager, who lives in south-east London, told the PA news agency: “We paired up with the public sector of Rio.
“We joined both State through Danielle Barros, secretary of culture and creative economy of the state of Rio, and City through Taina de Paula, secretary of environment and climate that, together, bridged the project with Rio Tur and Comlurb, Rio’s waste management company.
“Instead of going through the compressing trucks and ending up in the landfill, we used our own trucks to source over 23 tons of costumes on which 80 kilos have been shipped to London as part of a proof of concept summer season across events in the UK.
“We have been upcycling and customising the outfits to reduce carbon emissions and show you can have costumes, decor and fashion productions combining circular economy with outreach in a sustainable way.”
Notting Hill Carnival is ‘bigger and better than ever,’ says Sadiq Khan
Sunday 27 August 2023 08:56 , Bill Mcloughlin
The Mayor of London has referred to the Notting Hill Carnival as “part of the very fabric of our city” as he expressed his delight about it returning “bigger and better than ever”.
Ahead of the event, Sadiq Khan has expressed his joy about it returning, in a statement.
“Notting Hill Carnival is one of the world’s biggest street festivals, and is part of the very fabric of our city,” he said.
“The community-led celebration of Caribbean history and culture embodies everything that makes London the greatest city in the world and, as we continue to work to build a fairer, more prosperous city for all, I’m delighted that it’s back, bigger and better than ever.”
Mr Khan also praised those who have contributed towards, or will be part of, the carnival, from the event organisers to emergency service personnel.
“This fantastic celebration would simply not be possible without the hard work of the event organisers and I want to thank them along with our brilliant emergency service personnel, from the police, to the London Ambulance and the London Fire Brigade, who will be working hard over the entire weekend to keep us all safe and to ensure Carnival can be enjoyed by all Londoners and visitors,” he said.
Pictures: Revellers mark J’Ouvert
Sunday 27 August 2023 08:28 , Bill Mcloughlin
Notting Hill Carnival kicks off
Sunday 27 August 2023 08:04 , Bill Mcloughlin
Sunday is family day and begins with the traditional J’Ouvert before the formal opening of the parade.
J’Ouvert runs from 6am to 9am at Canal Way, Ladbroke Grove.