Notting Hill Carnival gets off to peaceful start

Hundreds of thousands of revellers ignored gloomy weather yesterday Europe's biggest street carnival burst into life in a blaze of colour.

Giant Popeye puppets and chocolate-smeared dancers joined scores of costumed masquerade artists as the streets of Notting Hill, west London, were transformed by brightly-coloured outfits and booming baselines.

Police, who had made several arrests in the week building up to the event, said celebrations had got off to a peaceful start.

Chris Boothman, the carnival chief, added that security was at its best ever after the event secured its biggest budget in years thanks to a new sponsorship deal.

He said: "We have worked really hard with police and we are keeping our fingers crossed that everything will be OK.

"We have had more money this year than we have in the last five. I think the result today is a good one."

Sarah Manners, 29, from Brixton, took part in the parade with her seven-year-old daughter, Shamira.

Ms Manners said: "There has been a little bit of drizzle but the vibe here as is as good as ever. It's nice to be here with my daughter for the first time."

A change to this year's event saw processions begin earlier than normal, with police saying there will be a major security operation around the event.

Officers were manning a series of security rings to target known troublemakers and flush out anyone carrying guns or knives. More than 150 people were sent letters telling them to stay away and 16 suspects have been arrested in the run-up to the event.

Chief Inspector Jo Edwards, of the Metropolitan Police, said: "Our job is to make sure we do all we can to keep the thousands of people who go as safe as can be.

"Given the huge number of people who take part in Carnival, crime rates are low, and our policing style last year made sure that less people were a victim of crime.

"We will be working with the full support of the organisers and the community to ensure that success continues this year."

Officers have also carried out regular stop and search operations to disrupt gang activity, in areas where there is intelligence that gangs may attend Carnival.

Despite the dark clouds and light drizzle, crowds swelled throughout the day as revellers from across the UK and Europe watched the thousands of dancers in action.

As has become the norm, people queued throughout the day on Portobello Road for Caribbean jerk chicken. According to a spokesman for the festival, more than five tons of chicken would be sold between yesterday and today.

Marco Figeuredo, 32, had travelled to the festival from Lisbon, Portugal. He said: "I expected there to be even more people but the music has been excellent. If it wasn't for the weather, it would feel a little like Rio."

It is predicted numbers could increase by as much as a third for festivities today.