The capital has been taken over by Europe's biggest street festival with dancers and musicians parading through the streets joined by crowds of visitors.
More than one million people are expected to attend the Caribbean celebration over the next two days. Today is traditionally aimed at families but warm weather could draw larger crowds than expected, while rain is predicted for tomorrow.




Six thousand police officers are attending the event, which is one of the largest operations in the Metropolitan Police force's calendar. Chief Superintendent Robyn Williams said the force's priority is to 'facilitate a safe and vibrant carnival'.
She said: 'Carnival very much presents us with two extremes; those who want to enjoy the sound systems, cuisine and have a good time and those who use it as an opportunity to commit crime.'
Children's Day will see family-friendly floats make their way from Westbourne Park Underground station to Ladbroke Grove. However, the thumping bass of the sound systems is as loud as ever. Organisers said this year marks the first milestone in the build-up to the event's 50th anniversary in 2016.
A number of business owners and residents have boarded up their properties on the carnival route in a bid to avoid damage. A gang crime crackdown in the run-up to the party has seen 157 arrests and the seizure of guns, drugs and thousands of pounds in cash.




As part of Operation Kent officers retrieved two machine guns and a handgun, crack cocaine and around £78,000 in cash. Officers known as 'super-recognisers' are primed to spot those banned from the event, as well as gangs and groups who attend.
However Chief Superintendent Williams said the arrests did not indicate the level of crime expected at the event.
She said: 'The proactive, pre-emptive focus of the carnival was highly effective. The success of the operation doesn't present a direct correlation of what may or may not happen.'
She added: 'The most serious violent crime at the event has reduced over the years and considering the number of people here we have a relatively low crime rate.'




However she warned visitors to be alert and take steps to reduce their vulnerability to low level crime by not wearing valuable jewellery or holding mobile phones on show and considering how much they drink.
Asked about the planning which goes into the police operation, she said: 'Let me put it this way, on Tuesday morning we'll begin planning Notting Hill Carnival 2015.'
The event has taken place since 1966, when it was introduced to improve race relations in the area. The event has become increasingly popular in recent years and now contributes an estimated £93million to the local economy.
Safety concerns about the number of people packing into the narrow streets have led some to suggest the event be moved to Hyde Park. But many say such a move would take away the tradition of the carnival.



