17 things you need to know about Notting Hill Carnival

1. Originally carnival was just a small street party to bring neighbours of the (then) deprived area of Notting Hill together.

2. There’s a whole lot of controversy about who officially started it and what year that was. Several people have claimed to be responsible for the first carnival, and some say that was in 1964, others 1965 or 1966. So this year may, or may not, be the 50th anniversary.

Dancing in the street at Notting Hill Carnival 1981 (PA)