- Dancers join the raucous spirit of Notting Hill Carnival this afternoon for Europe's biggest street festival
- Thousands of brightly colored costumes with wings and feathers were seen on the streets of London
- Many were seen dancing in large groups, while others showed their moves to the assembled police officers
- Parties wore green as a special tribute to the victims of Grenfell and also wore T-shirts saying 'Just for Grenfell'.
- After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the event is making its individual comeback today and tomorrow
The Metropolitan Police said 38 arrests were made at the Notting Hill carnival today, with alleged offenses including drug possession, criminal damages and possession of an offensive weapon.
Europe's biggest street party first saw 10 arrests for assault and two for sexual assault.
The arrests today mark an otherwise joyous return to the Notting Hill Carnival after a three-year hiatus due to Covid.
Dancers got into the party spirit this afternoon as the streets of London festooned.
Exotic costumes with peacock feathers and bright colors adorned the streets as the revelers celebrated in their own unique way.
Many were seen dancing in large groups, while others showed off their moves to the assembled police officers.
Sunday, traditionally 'Family Day', was seen in bright and flamboyant costumes as the carnival procession made its way through Ladbroke Grove.
A crowd of small children were dancing in the streets with their parents while whistling.
Lakhs of people are expected to attend the carnival during the two-day festival, which has been hiatus for two years due to the pandemic.
Carina Charles, 40, a nurse from Basildon, said: 'I love the solidarity of the people and the mix of culture.
'My Caribbean music, social music is what I love the most.'
She continued: 'Everyone is happy - they are excited to come out of lockdown after three years.'
Various sound systems dotted around the streets of West London entertained the dancing crowd, as the merry-goers chuckled to the music.
Young children stood on the threshold of their homes waving Jamaican flags and waved to passersby.
Shauna Walsh, 38, who lives in Kensal Rise, said: 'The return is really uplifting and warming - it's nice to be back.'
72 seconds of silence was also observed this afternoon in memory of those lost during the Grenfell fire disaster.
The carnival, which is an annual event celebrating Caribbean culture and open to all, stopped at 3 p.m. as a tribute to all those affected by the fire.
This comes as the organizers were earlier slammed for not planning to observe such silence this year despite holding gatherings in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The carnival was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
The party-goers had planned to stop dancing, singing and playing music and come together as a community. But MailOnline understands that the lack of silence in front of the tower has left some angry and annoyed.
Speaking at the carnival, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he would "never forget" the summer of 2017 and the impact of the "horrific" tragedy.
Two million people were expected to attend the carnival as children enjoyed the parade on Family Day (Sunday). Planned entertainment for today includes live performances by singers, dancers and musicians.
Attendees have been told to expect travel disruptions – some underground stations are closed or partially closed due to Carnival, and bus strikes have also affected several routes in west London.
The children's parade, the focus point of the carnival today, ends at 5.30pm - but live music and celebrations are expected to continue until late into the evening.
