More than a million people are expected in Notting Hill on Monday as the carnival gets into full swing.
Thousands of police officers will also be in attendance with the Met Police saying the “majority come to carnival to celebrate”.
Monday is traditionally a busier day at the carnival following the family day on Sunday and forecasters are predicting sunshine and temperatures of around 23C.
There is expected to be a heavy police presence after several stabbings on Sunday. The police said it knew about three stabbings with one woman left in critical condition.
Police said they made 90 arrests on Sunday, including 10 people who were detained for assaulting emergency workers, 18 for possession of offensive weapons and four for sexual offenses.
"Hundreds of thousands of people came to Notting Hill Carnival today to enjoy a fantastic celebration," the Met said in a statement. "Regrettably, a minority came to commit crime and engage in violence."
one man was stabbed on Saturday, while four knives were seized and 38 arrests made.
The Met said it had put a Section 60 in place “for the Carnival area from 6.05pm to 2am” on Monday which gave officers greater stop and search powers “In light of the seizures of knives and the stabbing”.
It gives officers the power to order the removal of face coverings being used to conceal a person's identity and anyone refusing that order can be arrested.
While the majority at today's event have come to enjoy themselves, a number of people regrettably have not.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 25, 2024
Officers have so far made 38 arrests and have recovered four knives.
A man believed to be in his 20s has been stabbed. His injuries are not life-threatening.
While the event was officially launched on Saturday night with a steel band competition, Sunday marked the beginning of the carnival's main attractions with the colourful parades and elaborate costumes that have made the festival world-renowned.
Thousands of performers will dazzle spectators along the three-mile route on Monday. The procession will feature an array of steel bands, dancers, and costumed participants, many adorned in exotic and intricately designed outfits that epitomise the carnival's flamboyant spirit.
Sheyi Martins-Allen, 36, has been attending carnivals since she was 10 years old and now shares the tradition with her young family.
"I think it's a really great way to celebrate black culture," she said.
Adding to the event's diverse cultural mix, Liani Devito, president of the Samba de Rainha dance school, told BBC News that her group of 71 dancers and drummers would be bringing a "Brazilian flavour" to the streets of Notting Hill.
"It is a Caribbean carnival and they are kind enough to open for us Brazilians," she explained. "You can expect Brazilian drums, Brazilian dance, Brazilian culture," Devito added, highlighting the carnival's growing multicultural appeal.
Despite being a fixture in London's cultural calendar for over half a century, the Notting Hill Carnival has remained faithful to its origins, continuing to celebrate Afro-Caribbean heritage with vibrant enthusiasm.
Carnival CEO Matthew Phillip said: “If you come to carnival at the weekend you are going to see people from all walks of life, different backgrounds, essentially at ease with each other and enjoying themselves.
“Aside from any economic benefits the carnival brings to the UK, this is just as important as bringing people together to celebrate.”
He added the Carnival offered a much-needed chance to unify the country after the right-wing riots held around the UK against immigration in recent weeks.
“We are all human beings and it’s about coming together to celebrate and it’s always relevant, some might say more so given what’s happened up and down the UK,” he added.
“It‘s the biggest celebration of inclusion and diversity the UK has, if not Europe, and it’s very important it stays that way.”
Despite the complaints of a former Scotland Yard chief that the police operate a “two tier system” when dealing with the Carnival, the Met pledged 7,000 officers to help all participants feel safe.
Commander Charmain Brenyah said: “It was a challenging environment to work in and one which over the past two years has seen more than 500 arrests, 15 stabbings including one that was fatal, and more than 125 police officers assaulted.
“These incidents can’t be downplayed or dismissed.
“It is for that reason that anyone going to Carnival will see a very significant policing presence. We’re there to keep you safe - if you see us say hello - but we’re also there to intervene decisively against those intent on violence.”
