Notting Hill Carnival

A group of friends were heading down to Notting Hill Carnival last weekend and asked if I'd like to go along too. 

I didn't really know what to expect having never been before. It is described as "Britain's Biggest Street Party" and boy oh boy, did it not disappoint. 

We assembled the troops and took a team photo before heading out into the melee.

The whole experience is madness, wrapped up good old fashioned fun. The Notting Hill Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe and started all the way back in 1964 as a way for Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures and traditions. One thing is for sure, they know how to throw a great party!

(Everyone loves a good GoPro bust shot right?!)

The whole Notting Hill area really does turn into one huge fiesta, with music booming from the floats and local houses alike. 

Steel bands play in the street with everyone dancing around them.

Endless dancing, DJs and fun, literally stretching as far as the eye can see,

It's impossible not to join in.

Outfit details: Jacket, Gap (ancient, but similar here)

Denim Shorts, New Look

White Tassle Top, Primarni (ancient, but similar here)

We waited for one float to set off, just before the judging area where everyone was COVERED in paint. This chap had been fortunate enough to be hit by the cross fire!

The participants were being held, all chomping at the bit to be freed, and when they did, they all went for it! I only wish I could have recorded the sounds!

Ready, steady, GO!

I was really impressed with the whole organisation of the event. The police were everywhere, not to control, but to help. At every corner and on every closed street was a helpful bobby giving out maps, helping with directions and all really getting into the Carnival atmosphere.

Locals and visitors alike were being helped and always with a smile.

It's good fun and absolute chaos. If you want to stick in a group, all I can say is good luck to you! Our squad of 20 set out in force, and by the end the man and I had lost everyone. 

Laws seem to be different at Carnival too, it's own little anarchist village. Drinking on the street? Sure, why not! I cannot confirm who or where, but there were definitely some funky looking cigarettes being smoked and for those blokes who had one to many Red Stripe... let's just say they didn't have to wander far to a loo.

All in all, it was very good fun. Next year when Carnival time rolls around on bank holiday weekend, I'll definitely be out from the start with my camera!

Just remind me not to chain up my bike in the area...

CB x

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