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Crowds join carnival celebrations Crowds join carnival celebrations
(about 2 hours later)
Hundreds of thousands of revellers have taken to the streets of west London for the Notting Hill Carnival.Hundreds of thousands of revellers have taken to the streets of west London for the Notting Hill Carnival.
Giant Popeye puppets and chocolate-smeared dancers joined scores of costumed masquerade artists to perform along the three-and-a-half mile route.Giant Popeye puppets and chocolate-smeared dancers joined scores of costumed masquerade artists to perform along the three-and-a-half mile route.
About 1.5 million people are expected to attend the carnival, billed as Europe's biggest street party, over the next two days.About 1.5 million people are expected to attend the carnival, billed as Europe's biggest street party, over the next two days.
The carnival's main procession takes place on Monday.The carnival's main procession takes place on Monday.
Sarah Manners, 29, from Brixton in south London, took part in the parade with her seven-year-old daughter, Shamira.Sarah Manners, 29, from Brixton in south London, took part in the parade with her seven-year-old daughter, Shamira.
If it wasn't for the weather, it would feel a little like Rio Marco Figeuredo
Ms Manners said: "There has been a little bit of drizzle but the vibe here as is as good as ever.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.""It's nice to be here with my daughter for the first time."
We have worked really hard with police and we are keeping our fingers crossed that everything will be ok Chris Boothman, carnival chief Marco Figeuredo, 32, travelled to the festival from Lisbon, Portugal.
Revellers are enjoying the sound of steelpan bands, as well as almost 40 static sound systems playing music including traditional soca or calypso, reggae, hip-hop jazz, soul, house and garage. 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."
Revellers are enjoying the sound of steel-pan bands, as well as almost 40 static sound systems playing music including traditional soca or calypso, reggae, hip-hop jazz, soul, house and garage.
'Good feast'
There are also hundreds of exotic food and drink stalls.There are also hundreds of exotic food and drink stalls.
Ruth Thomsett, one of the carnival's organisers, said: "You've got the food, you've got food from all the islands, as well as African and Chinese food, Greek and Moroccan.Ruth Thomsett, one of the carnival's organisers, said: "You've got the food, you've got food from all the islands, as well as African and Chinese food, Greek and Moroccan.
"What a chance to come and have a really good feast.""What a chance to come and have a really good feast."
Police, who had made several arrests in the week building up to the event, said celebrations had got off to a peaceful start, with only five people arrested at the carnival so far.Police, who had made several arrests in the week building up to the event, said celebrations had got off to a peaceful start, with only five people arrested at the carnival so far.
The carnival is a celebration of Caribbean cultureThe carnival is a celebration of Caribbean culture
Chris Boothman, the carnival chief, said security was at its best ever after the event secured its biggest budget in years thanks to a new sponsorship deal.Chris Boothman, the carnival chief, said security was at its best ever after the event secured its biggest budget in years thanks to a new sponsorship deal.
"We have worked really hard with police and we are keeping our fingers crossed that everything will be okay."We have worked really hard with police and we are keeping our fingers crossed that everything will be okay.
"We have had more money this year than we have in the last five. I think the result today is a good one.""We have had more money this year than we have in the last five. I think the result today is a good one."
Thousands of Metropolitan Police officers are on duty at the carnival.Thousands of Metropolitan Police officers are on duty at the carnival.
Officers have also been carrying out regular stop-and-search operations in an effort to disrupt gang activity.Officers have also been carrying out regular stop-and-search operations in an effort to disrupt gang activity.
All are currently in custody at various London police stations, except the 31-year-old who has been released with no further action. This year, the procession began at the earlier time of 0900 BST with a children's parade. Sunday's and Monday's celebrations are due to end at 1830 BST.
This year, the procession began at the earlier time of 0900 BST with a children's parade. Sunday's and Monday's celebrations are due to at 1830 BST. The latest figures show that the carnival generates more than £90m for London's economy and supports the equivalent of 3,000 jobs.
Are you going to the Notting Hill Carnival? Send us your pictures and videos.Are you going to the Notting Hill Carnival? Send us your pictures and videos.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124. If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124. If you have a large file you can upload here.
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