This year’s Notting Hill Carnival marks the event's 50th anniversary. The huge street party, first held in London in 1966, lasts for two days during the August Bank Holiday weekend and originated as a way for African-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures, traditions and history.
We take a look back at five decades of vibrant partying in west London.
1966
In 1966, world heavyweight boxing champion Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) met Rhaune Laslett, who was instrumental in organising the original Notting Hill Carnival, during a visit to the London Free School in nearby Ladbroke Grove.
1975
1975
The event is inspired by 19th century Caribbean carnivals, for which there is a particularly strong tradition in Trinidad. It began as a way to showcase steel bands who played weekly in nearby Earls Court.
"When the bands paraded through the streets of Notting Hill, they drew black residents out on to the streets, reminding them of the Caribbean homes they had left behind,” the carnival's organisers said.
1976
1976
1984
Carnival has five main elements: sound systems, masquerade, steel pan bands, and soca and calypso styles of music.
1983
1983
Colville Square, 1984
Portobello Road, 1991
Westbourne Park Road, 1992, (left), St Lukes Road, 1994, (right)
Colville Gardens, 1994
All Saints Road, 1994
1995
Around two million people attend Carnival in the streets of Notting Hill every year.
1995
Talbot Road, 1997
Colville Gardens, 1997
2000
2001
Notting Hill Carnival is the second largest carnival in the world. Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro is the biggest.
2001
2003
2005
2005
2005
At the J’ouvert parade, which takes place early on the Sunday morning of Carnival, attendees traditionally cover themselves in mud, although now often use chocolate or paint.
2005
2006
There are 70 performing stages and 40 sound systems at Carnival.
There are 70 performing stages and 40 sound systems at Carnival.
2006
2008
Colville Gardens, 2009
2010
2010
2011
2015
