Children’s joy at Notting Hill Carnival parade

Children join the parade for the carnival’s Families and Children’s Day on Sunday

PA Media Two girls in pink and purple outfits pose during the Children's Day Parade — Children join the parade for the carnival’s Families and Children’s Day on Sunday

Children and their families have enjoyed one of the largest annual street parties in the world by taking part in their own parade.

Held in west London, about one million people are expected to attend this year’s Notting Hill Carnival, which runs across Sunday and Monday.

The party began with steel drums on Saturday evening, before Children and Families’ Day on Saturday.

The celebration of Caribbean heritage, arts and culture – which culminates in a huge Mas parade on Monday – has been running for more than 50 years.

The party got into full swing on Sunday as families took to the streets

PA Media Two girls dancing in yellow tutu skirts and green vest tops — The party got into full swing on Sunday as families took to the streets

There was a family atmosphere on the streets of west London

Reuters children being carried through the streets — There was a family atmosphere on the streets of west London

The carnival celebrates Caribbean heritage and culture

PA Media Children in costume join the parade — The carnival celebrates Caribbean heritage and culture

There will be plenty of music and dancing during the next two days

PA Media A band featuring people playing the trombone and wearing colourful uniforms in the Children's Day Parade — There will be plenty of music and dancing during the next two days

‘This is our community’

Sheyi Martins-Allen, 36, has been going to carnivals since she was 10 years old and now brings her young family.

“I think it’s a really great way to celebrate black culture,” she said.

PA Media A girl in a feathered costume is carried through the street on her dad's shoulders — Families took to the streets

The colourful costumes are a defining feature of the parade

PA Media Kinetika Bloco taking part in the Children's Day Parade — The colourful costumes are a defining feature of the parade

Liani Devito, president of the Samba de Rainha dance school, told BBC News her 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 said.

“You can expect Brazilian drums, Brazilian dance, Brazilian culture” she added.

Notting Hill Carnival 2024: A sneak peak at this year’s costumes

“It’s a way for me to be connected to my roots and also to show my beautiful culture in where I chose to build my home, London.

“This is our community.

“Our community is formed by different people, from different backgrounds, and it’s where everyone comes together.”

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