Millions party at Notting Hill Carnival

Organisers promised that this year’s festival, which was themed Unity and Diversity, would have been bigger, better and safer than ever before.

Police had stepped up security following the July 7 bombings, and around 5,000 officers were on duty.

The party in West London officially started on Saturday, when 14 steel bands competed in Panorama, the national steel band competition.

But the traditional opening ceremony — J’ouvert — took place on Sunday morning with a day-break procession of festival-goers daubed in mud and paint accompanied by steelpan music. Around 80 floats were in procession yesterday, each one blasting a sound system or followed by a band and dozens of dancers in beautiful, multicoloured costumes, decorated with feathers and sequins.

Yesterday was children’s carnival day, which is traditionally quieter than today when partying carries on late into the night after the floats leave.

Undeterred by the recent terrorist attacks on the capital, festival goers were determined to live up to this year’s theme of Unity and Diversity.

Lesley Thwaites, 43, from south London, was enjoying the Carnival with her niece who was visiting from Trinidad.

"I don’t think people had been put off this year at all," she said. "That is the point, everyone here is united. Every nation is represented here."

Professor Chris Mullard, chair of the Notting Hill Carnival said the excitement around London was enormous, and Londoners wished to express their commitment to the themes of Unity and Diversity.

Commander Chris Allison, spokesman for the Metropolitan Police, said they been working really closely with everyone involved in Carnival to make sure that 2005 was as safe as could be.

"Carnival is an important annual event in London’s calendar; this importance has only increased since the tragedy that struck London on July 7."