Nepal UK
Photo: PA Media
LONDON — The Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s biggest street party, is back, and a million people are expected to attend! The huge two-day event, which celebrates Caribbean culture and history, kicked off with its main parade on Monday.
The streets of west London are filled with dancing, loud music from steel bands, and incredible costumes. One performer named Lauren said her outfit had about 500 jewels on it. Another musician, Derillio Alexander, said it was a pleasure to be there and that his band was ready to "bust the place."
This year's carnival will also have a sad and important moment. At 3:00 PM, a 72-second silence will take place to remember the people who died in the Grenfell Tower fire, as well as others who have passed away at the event over the years. This silence will also honour Kelso Cochrane, whose murder in 1959 was one of the key reasons the carnival was started.
Ian Comfort, who helps run the event, said the carnival has been a success so far but needs more funding to keep going. He explained that without money, they cannot afford the costumes, the music bands, or the staff needed to make it safe for everyone. He added that the carnival brings all sorts of people together and that its history is important for everyone to know.
(Source credits: Based on reporting by Reuters, EPA, PA Media, and BBC London)
