Thousands of revellers partied on the streets of west London as the first Notting Hill Carnival in three years drew to a close on Bank Holiday Monday.
People travelled from across the globe to attend Europe’s largest street carnival and to celebrate London’s diversity - but the event didn’t finish without some surprises.
A woman was rushed to hospital after giving birth at the carnival, a police horse died after suddenly collapsing and two people were injured as a bus shelter gave way under a crowd of people that were filmed dancing on its roof.
Meanwhile, Metropolitan police were seen carrying canisters of nitrous oxide, known as laughing gas, confiscated from attendees following a string of arrests for drug and violence-related offences.
The Adults Day parade on Monday saw many partygoers dressed in colourful, sparkling costumes to match the samba dancers who wowed crowds as they made their way through throngs of people.
The parade marched along the streets from 10.30am, while the famous sound systems played tunes from midday to 7pm on both Sunday and Monday, and street traders and food trucks sold their wares.
The event attracted a diverse crowd of young and old, Londoners and people who travelled from abroad, first-time goers and faithful attendees of many decades.
Pam Small, 54, came from the US. She has been travelling to the UK for the carnival for nine years and is elated to be back after Covid.
“I love everything about it. The people, the culture, the diversity – it’s really special to be here,” she told PA.
Clayde Tavernier, 23, was stopped by bystanders who danced and took photos with him.
The Dominican dancer, who attends every year, said: “Carnival is the time to be myself, to express who I am. I came all the way from Dominica to be here and to have fun.”
Iona Edesiri Thomson and Neve Kearneg, both 18, from London, were following the parade up Ladbroke Grove while wearing make-up featuring Caribbean green and yellow to represent the Jamaican flag.
Ms Thomson said: “We’ve been since we were little kids and this is the first time since Covid. The people are so fun and I love the food. People cooking their culture’s food is really amazing.”
Ms Kearneg added: “Usually Britain is very white but going to the carnival shows we are a multicultural nation and it’s also great for tourism, which helps our economy.”
While most festival goers were celebrating music, food, dance and culture, others were arrested by officers for drug, sexual and violent offences.
The Metropolitan Police said that by 7am on Monday there had been 76 arrests for “a variety of different offences”.
Photographs show officers searching front gardens for weapons amidst the carnival on Monday, while other officers officers carryied canisters of nitrous oxide, known as laughing gas, confiscated from revellers planning to use it as a drug.
A police horse died on duty during the carnival after collapsing at about 9pm on Sunday.
The 14-year-old chestnut gelding, who stood 16 hands high, played “an integral role in helping to police London”, Met Police said.
“He was one of the Met’s most experienced horses, with an impeccable seven year police career.
“He was the go-to horse to help new officers grow in confidence as they went through their training.
“Police horses are working animals, but Sandown was also an affectionate character who was full of personality. He loved his food and was always nuzzling in pockets looking for treats.”
The force said it is too early to determine the cause of death. An investigation is underway.
Meanwhile shocking footage captured the moment a bus stop was destroyed while people danced on its roof.
Several people were seen standing on top of the Kensal House bus shelter on Ladbroke Grove before tumbling to the pavement after it collapsed.
Two people suffered minor injuries following the dramatic incident on Sunday.
Someone thought this would be a great idea.
— Linda (Mags) (@magsloveslife2) August 29, 2022
“Let’s use the roof as a stage”
I guess they just don’t make bus stop shelters like they used to 😂😂#NottingHill #NottingHillCarnival #gmb pic.twitter.com/54x3BBXqdU
Also on Sunday a mother was rushed to hospital after giving birth to a child.
London Ambulance Services were called to reports of a person in labour “within the footprint” of the street carnival at 6.45pm.
“We treated an adult and baby at the scene and took them to hospital as a priority,” a spokesperson told the Standard.
A video posted to social media shows a number of officers circling around a woman who is kneeling on the street, groaning, while throngs of people look on.
Some can be heard asking: “Is she having a baby?” while others try to speak to officers.
As the street party draws to a close on Monday night, people keen to keep the party going in the wee hours of Tuesday will head to a number of events hosted by clubs across London.
