For the first time since the pandemic Adult Day at Notting Hill Carnival returns to the streets of west London.
Nearly a million attendees flooded the streets with explosive sound systems.
The two who have been waiting for two years are Neisha Diaz and Alexander Payne in their “African theme” outfits.
“This is part of my family legacy, when I’m here, I’m here and I’ve worn my outfit, I’m in for it,” Diaz said.
At 3 p.m., a group of people stopped for 72 seconds of silence in a parade marking the 72 lives lost in the Grenfell Tower fire five years ago.
Among the group were the first firefighters to arrive on the scene, along with survivors and advocates.
Behind the food stall, a man selling shredded chicken in line summed up the feelings of many people.
“This is a family,” he said. “I missed the food and the good vibes.”
The festival returns for the first time since the pandemic
Revelers dressed in colorful costumes took to the streets of west London for the first Notting Hill Carnival since the coronavirus pandemic.
The Metropolitan Police said there had been 76 arrests for “various crimes” as of 7am on Monday.
Officers also said a police horse died on duty during the festival after collapsing around 9pm on Sunday.
The force said it was still too early to determine the cause of death and added that there would be an investigation.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “As a Londoner, I’m really glad carnival is back.”
He said the carnival was meant to celebrate the culture, heritage and history of the Caribbean and there was a “pent-pressed” demand for festivals this year.
