Notting Hill Carnival revellers enjoy first Adults Day parade since Covid pandemic

The spirit of a multicultural UK returned to the streets of west London on Monday

The Notting Hill Carnival turned west London into a party on bank holiday Monday as the Adults Day parade returned for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Young and old took to the streets with many attendees dressed in colourful, sparkling costumes to match the dancers.

Pam Small, 54, has been travelling to the UK from the US for the carnival for nine years and is elated to be back after Covid-19.

She was carnival-ready, dressed in yellow feathers and an intricate sparkly costume.

“I love everything about it. The people, the culture, the diversity – it’s really special to be here,” she said.

Clayde Tavernier, 23, was wearing a blue-feathered crown and bystanders stopped to dance and take photos with him.

“Carnival is the time to be myself, to express who I am. I came all the way from Dominica to be here and to have fun,” said the dancer, who attends every year.

Iona Edesiri Thomson and Neve Kearneg, both 18, from London, were following the parade up Ladbroke Grove while wearing make-up featuring Caribbean green and yellow to represent the Jamaican flag.

“We’ve been since we were little kids and this is the first time since Covid. The people are so fun and I love the food. People cooking their culture’s food is really amazing,” said Ms Thomson.

“Usually Britain is very white but going to the carnival shows we are a multicultural nation and it’s also great for tourism, which helps our economy,” added Ms Kearneg.

Notting Hill Carnival returns - in pictures

Performers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival in London, UK. AFP

The Caribbean carnival is returning to the streets of Notting Hill after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Getty Images

Carnival revellers attend the London festival. EPA

More than a million people are expected to attend the two-day celebration of Caribbean heritage. EPA

A reveller takes part in the Notting Hill Carnival. Reuters

Revellers dance on top of a railway bridge during the carnival. AP

Performers take part in the carnival in London. Reuters

Performers take part in the carnival on the main parade day. AFP

Performers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival. AFP

Revellers in colourful costumes take part in the carnival. Reuters

Performers participate in the newly returned carnival. PA

The festival returned to the streets for the first time in two years after it was thwarted by the pandemic. PA

A police officer attends the carnival. PA

A woman waves from a window as performers take part in the carnival. AP

Carnival-goers attend the popular event. PA

The Notting Hill Carnival has returned to London for the first time in two years. PA

The carnival was called off in 2020 and 2021 owing to coronavirus restrictions. PA

More than a million people were expected to attend the festival. PA

Police keep an eye on carnival-goers. PA

The carnival paid tribute to the 72 victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster and the survivors' campaign demanding justice. Reuters

Carnival-goers during Sunday's family day at the carnival. PA

Carnival-goers during Sunday's family day at the carnival. PA

The children's parade was part of the family day fun. Reuters

Costumed children take part in the parade. Getty

Notting Hill's streets are crowded for the return of the carnival. PA

A young performer in the procession. Getty

Performers on wheels. PA

A young carnival-goer. Getty

Performers dance during the children's parade. AP

A participant in the children's parade. PA

A performer on skates wows the crowds. PA

Young performers on parade. PA

One of the spectacular costumes in the procession. Reuters

Musicians provide a Caribbean beat. PA

Energetic performers in the children's parade. PA

Performers on roller blades. AP

Colourful costumes on show during the carnival parade. EPA

Dancers perform at the Notting Hill Carnival. EPA

Participants on parade through the London streets. EPA

Children in costumes take part in the parade. EPA

Dancers in colourful costumes perform. EPA

The Emancipated Run Crew dressed in green to remember the 72 people who died in the Grenfell fire. PA

The Emancipated Run Crew dressed in green to remember the 72 people who died in the Grenfell fire. PA

Walking in the parade was Rolando Ponde, 34, who was wearing white platform heels and covered in white, purple and pink feathers and matching diamantes.

“Carnival is special because it introduces people to their roots, to their culture. We have our community here in the UK and at carnival we can all come together,” he said.

Sharon Decairos, 54, and sister Samantha Decairos, 53, were sitting on camping chairs next to people celebrating on the road wearing Caribbean accessories.

“With Covid we were all stuck inside. This is what we were missing,” said Sharon Decairos.

“We can finally experience our culture again,” he said.

They have been going to the carnival since the 1970s and said the diversity and cultural celebration is what makes it special.

Mark Brown, 22, was wearing a Jamaican flag around his neck while queuing for jerk chicken.

“At carnival there’s just good vibes. I’ve been before, and now after Covid it’s as if I’ve never left,” he said.

The Metropolitan Police said that by 7am on Monday there had been 76 arrests for “a variety of different offences”.

Officers said a police horse died on duty during the carnival after collapsing at about 9pm on Sunday.

The force said it is too early to determine the cause of death, adding there will be an investigation.