I had never been to the Notting Hill Carnival but after hearing so much about it, this bank holiday I chose to go to Europe's biggest street festival. What a brilliant day out!
(Little bit of knowledge for you- The Notting Hill carnival was founded in 1964 when there was a clash between the whites and newly arrived immigrants from the West Indies)...
I met up with some friends at Notting gate tube station, stopped at a local shop to buy some beers, and headed towards the crowds with our Jamaican whistles! It was so busy and I didn't know what to expect, but everyone around me was smiling so that was all that mattered.
As we walked down, looking at all different types of people in vibrant colourful costumes, we reached a street where you could watch the static sound systems and floats pass through with dancers following. We were dancing on the side of the roads and it really was a great atmosphere.
Everywhere we went I saw police. Their were 6,500 officers for the 2 day event and they were doing a great job in patrolling West London, as well as taking the time to speak to people and take photos with people. I even thanked a few for their hard work during the riots (I think the cider definitely kicked in at this point!)
As the day progressed you could tell that the alcohol was starting to kick in most people, and the dancing got a bit more rowdier, so we headed towards a pub called the 'Grand Nation', where I met a lovely girl and her boyfriend! It is an experience I would definitely recommend and I would love to go again next year :)
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