Notting Hill Carnival: London, England’s Most Outrageous Street Party

During the last weekend of every August, approximately one million punters rock up for Red Stripe and revelry at London’s Notting Hill Carnival. Originally introduced by Caribbean immigrants in the mid-60s, the event has evolved into one of Europe’s biggest street celebrations. Think of Mardi Gras…on steroids.

Comparing manicures?

When I lived in Notting Hill, I felt incredibly fortunate to have a front-row seat for the carnival, taking in the action from atop the porch outside my window. (My rear windows overlooked the dumpsters of a Tesco loading dock, but I tend not to brag about that so much).

While some folks boarded up their shops and ground floor flats, fleeing the crowds, I locked and loaded my camera, knowing that many of the year’s most memorable moments were about to unfold in the neighbourhood I felt fortunate to call home.

Picture parades of scantily clad dancers, undulating in sequins and feathers as they writhe and wiggle among the crowds or hover above the fray on elaborate floats, snaking through the streets of one of London’s buzziest multicultural neighbourhoods. Clouds of smoke rise up from BBQ stalls, perfuming the air with eau de jerk chicken and curried goat.

Giant speakers blast steal drums and reggae so loudly that the sound waves vibrate your very bones. My favourite was always Gaz’s Rockin’ Blues Bandstand (the best free show you’ll ever see, or your money back), featuring live performances by costumed musicians on a set worthy of a West End theatre.

Gaz gets into the groove.

Here are some of the strangest moments from Carnivals past.

"Snakey Joe" mistakes his reptile for a popsicle.

“Snakey Joe” mistakes his python for a popsicle.

It’s good to see that Daryl Hannah is still getting work.

Clearly, this men appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into Gaz's Rockin' Bandstand.

Clearly, these men appreciate the craftsmanship that went into Gaz’s Rockin’ Blues Bandstand.

Many children are conceived during Carnival.

I found Waldo, and he is absolutely living his best life at Carnival.

Let this be a warning to the other cans of Heineken.

If Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love” back-up girls lived in 1737.

Getting his drink on…and getting jiggy.

Aloha Elvis is in the house!

Having fun with the tourists.

How embarrassing! We’re wearing the same thing!

You know what I really love? This girl’s back-pack. I mean, what does she keep in there? Spare floss? Her vast collection of Mardi Gras beads? Or maybe a sweater in case her grandmother happens to drop by?