Notting Hill Carnival begins with revellers dousing each other in paint as thousands gather for world-famous party

NewsUK News NOTTING Hill Carnival got off to a colourful start as revellers doused each other in paint as thousands are expected to join in the world-famous party. Good-natured party goers are filling the streets of West London for the annual event which first took place in 1966. Revellers enjoy J’ouvert, a paint fight that officially marks the start of the Notting Hill carnival Credit: LNP The annual street party got off to a bright start with a splash of colour Credit: Story Picture Agency Things got underway with J’ouvert, the tradition of throwing paint to welcome in the morning on the first day of the carnival. Family Day will see hundreds and thousands of people take to the streets on what is the 60th year of the hugely popular London event. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! It is one of the largest festival celebrations of its kind in Europe, celebrating Caribbean culture. The two-day street event attracts around 2 million revellers, musicians and dancers with around 7,000 police officers and staff on duty each day. This woman got in the party spirit with a bunny mask Credit: Story Picture Agency Early morning revellers were in fine form as the two-day party got underway Credit: LNP Bands and floats representing the Caribbean, African and Brazilian diaspora are due to parade through the capital. Revellers can also expect to see some colourful and eye-catching costumes. Anyone intending to take part might want to wrap up well as occasional showers are expected with conditions turning wetter in the evening, according to the Met Office forecast. At last year’s event Chelsea star Cole Palmer rocked up incognito to party. Most read in The Sun The ace looked a world away from his on-pitch style as he swapped his team jersey for more relaxed attire. And he got into the Carnival spirit by wearing a flamboyant hat complete with fake dreadlocks. However, the ace made sure to keep a low profile with thousands of people around. Comment now