This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-28923835
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 3 | Version 4 |
---|---|
Notting Hill Carnival crowds defy bank holiday rain | Notting Hill Carnival crowds defy bank holiday rain |
(about 4 hours later) | |
Thousands of revellers braved wet conditions in west London for the final day of the Notting Hill carnival. | |
The annual celebration, believed to be Europe's biggest street party, was marred by poor weather for its finale, but partygoers defied soggy conditions. | |
The Metropolitan Police deployed 7,000 officers for Monday's events. | |
The figure was about 1,000 more than Sunday and represented one of the Met's most complex operations of the year. | |
Sunday, which is traditionally billed as children's day, saw thousands of dancers and musicians parade through the streets alongside floats. | Sunday, which is traditionally billed as children's day, saw thousands of dancers and musicians parade through the streets alongside floats. |
But the poor weather on Monday affected turnout on Ladbroke Grove along the parade route. | But the poor weather on Monday affected turnout on Ladbroke Grove along the parade route. |
BBC London reporter Elaine Okyere said: "It's definitely quieter but the performers are still giving it their all despite the rain. | BBC London reporter Elaine Okyere said: "It's definitely quieter but the performers are still giving it their all despite the rain. |
"One resident Silvia said she'd never seen Ladbroke grove this quiet on a carnival Monday, but she told me despite the rain the party will go on." | |
The carnival saw 115 arrests for a variety of offences by 17:00 BST on Monday. | |
Among those were 39 arrests over drugs, 11 for common assault and seven for possession of offensive weapons. | |
Ch Supt Robyn Williams said the force's priority was to "facilitate a safe and vibrant carnival". | Ch Supt Robyn Williams said the force's priority was to "facilitate a safe and vibrant carnival". |
"Carnival very much presents us with two extremes; those who want to enjoy the sound systems, cuisine and have a good time and those who use it as an opportunity to commit crime," she said. | "Carnival very much presents us with two extremes; those who want to enjoy the sound systems, cuisine and have a good time and those who use it as an opportunity to commit crime," she said. |
Organisers said this year's event was part of the build-up to the event's 50th anniversary. | |
The Notting Hill Carnival Enterprises Trust said some people thought the first carnival took place in 1964, but others argue a street parade took place the following year. | The Notting Hill Carnival Enterprises Trust said some people thought the first carnival took place in 1964, but others argue a street parade took place the following year. |
However, the trust said there was documentary evidence that showed the first event with performers, costumes, music and placards took place in 1966. | However, the trust said there was documentary evidence that showed the first event with performers, costumes, music and placards took place in 1966. |
This year's event paid tribute to the steel pan, the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, which has been a significant feature of the carnival from 1964 until the present day. |