The second day of Notting Hill Carnival 2026 is underway, with hundreds of thousands of revellers lining the streets of west London. Bank Holiday Monday is traditionally known as 'Adults Day', effectively one huge street party.
A Celebration of Caribbean Culture
Thousands are taking part in the 60th carnival celebrating Caribbean culture, while more watch on. DJs have accompanied those dressed in bright sequins and dazzling costumes, often featuring feathers and headdresses. Steel drums, whistles and horns add to the barrage of noise, and carnival-goers can be seen waving flags from countries across the Caribbean.
The carnival attracts between 1,000,000 and 2,000,000 visitors each year. Tourists who have come to witness the spectacle, rather than partake, stand shoulder to shoulder with locals and Brits from every corner of the country, cheering on the parade. Some with access to one even stand up on rooftops to get a birds-eye view of the action.
Peaceful Start Despite Arrests
Day one was dedicated to families. Police reported the event to have passed off 'overwhelmingly peacefully' despite 169 arrests. There are hundreds of police and stewards at the event as well as Live Facial Recognition (LFR) cameras posted around the streets seeking out known offenders.
However, the police operation is so far marked by a hands-off approach. Officers are ready if the violence which has marred some previous events flares. One told Metro: 'We are here if needed we have so far seen a vast majority of people celebrating and just having fun.'
Attendees Share Their Experience
Jacob Delaney, 46, from the US said: 'I've never seen anything like it. It's a great event. There's so much noise and fun. We are on vacation and couldn't miss this.' Paul Hitchcock, from Reading, said: 'I've been coming to carnival for many years. Now I bring my kids. It's now a family tradition.'
On Sunday, a jerk chicken van caught fire, triggering fears that it was an emergency services vehicle which was alight – a theory which was soon quashed.
