Notting Hill Carnival returns after two-year absence

Notting Hill Carnival has returned to west London's streets for the first time since 2019.

The Covid-19 pandemic forced the event to be put on hold in 2020 and 2021.

Sunday's event began with a run to remember the 72 victims of the Grenfell Tower fire and a 72-second silence was held at 15:00 BST.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he would "never forget" the tragedy that took place in June 2017 and said the community wanted "justice".

"What the community wants is two main things," Mr Khan said.

"One is for justice to happen and for those responsible be held to account and that still hasn't happened. And secondly for this to never happen again."

The carnival's chief executive, Matthew Phillips, said although the pandemic had affected previous years, this year the cost of living crisis was the biggest worry.

He said some bands could not appear and the flamboyant costumes that featured in the main parade would be unaffordable for some.

Linett Kamala, who is on the carnival's board of trustees, said it had been expensive to stage the event.

"It is a free event but there's absolutely a cost to all of us involved in terms of materials, equipment hire, and storage hire," she said.

"It's been tough for all of the carnivalists, we've been affected by the pandemic too, but that's not deterred us, people will see an amazing carnival this year."

Marelle Steblecki, 29, said she was "excited" to finally wear a costume she had planned to wear pre-pandemic.

"I've had my particular costume, which is rose gold, purple and teal booked with my carnival band since 2018, so I've been waiting to wear this for two years," she said.

"The carnival band that I'm playing with chose their theme as Africa. It is good for people to see that there are true influences behind each costume."

A second 48-hour bus strike in parts of west London could affect those attending the event.

Sadiq Khan urged everyone attending to arrive early and to make the most of the celebration.

"This community-led celebration of Caribbean history and culture has become one of the world's biggest street festivals and part of the very fabric of this city," he said.

There would be another 72-second silence at 15:00 BST on Monday to honour those who died in the Grenfell tragedy, organisers said.

The blaze destroyed Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017, claiming the lives of 72 residents.

Organisers said on Twitter: "We ask all those planning to attend this year's carnival and the participating bands and sound systems to work with us as organisers and the community to help pay our respects.

"We stand by the Grenfell community and support them wholeheartedly."

The Metropolitan Police said thousands of officers were on duty to keep the public safe.

Commander Dr Alison Heydari said: "Being able to attend Carnival in person has been sorely missed for the last couple of years, so we are expecting large crowds in the Notting Hill area this weekend.

"We are also working to keep the area safe with the festival organisers implementing 'safer spaces' where women and girls can go and seek advice from specially trained professionals, as well as the police.

"Our officers are here to help you, if you feel like something doesn't look right please speak with us."

Follow BBC London on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]