Notting Hill Carnival opens with a burst of colour

The Notting Hill Carnival begins with J'ouvert at dawn, painting the streets and starting a weekend of parades and music.

Notting Hill Carnival opens with a burst of colour

J'ouvert began in the early hours of Sunday with events starting at six o'clock BST. Revellers filled the Notting Hill streets, painted and powdered as part of the opening ritual before the children's parade. The day will continue with the parade and later sound systems and live stages that carry the celebration through the afternoon.

The event remains a longstanding display of Caribbean culture in the capital, drawing crowds of city residents and visitors. Organisers emphasise community participation and safety as they balance tradition with crowd management and urban logistics.

Notting Hill Carnival shows how a city can sustain heritage while inviting new voices. The opening ritual turns street space into a shared stage, but it also tests the ability of authorities to ensure safety, accessibility, and smooth transit for thousands of participants and spectators.

Highlights

City officials hope the weekend balances celebration with responsibility.