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Revellers descended on the streets of west London for a vibrant display of festivities as the 51st Notting Hill Carnival got underway.

Millions of people are expected to flock to the two-day event over the Bank Holiday weekend, which celebrates Caribbean and West Indian culture in the capital.

Photographs from the opening day showed performers donning brightly coloured outfits as they made their way through the streets in the glorious sunshine on Sunday.

Grinning carnival-goers were pictured covered in paint as they joined the celebrations as Notting Hill was transformed into a feast of music, dance and colour as floats paraded through the streets.

Many revellers could be seen wearing green to the event, which they did as a mark of respect for those who died in the Grenfell Tower tragedy on June 14.

The burnt-out building could be seen in the distance as people, some pictured with banners and T-shirts that showed support for the victims’ families, gathered in the area for the festivities.

As the first day of the carnival got underway, multi-faith leaders from across London, including Mayor Sadiq Khan, freed birds into the sky amid prayers for peace over the party weekend.

The streets of Notting Hill paused for a minute’s silence at 3pm in respect for those who died in the blaze, and many were photographed with their heads bowed as they paid their respects.

Performers passing the tower were encouraged to lower their music volume and walk respectfully instead of dancing while hundreds of hand-drawn tributes, flowers and candles were laid.

The usually noisy carnival site was quiet and many people were visibly moved and in tears as they stopped their celebrations and bowed their heads.

A klaxon sounded the end of the minute’s silence and soundsystems resumed music as people hugged each other.

Many carnival-goers gathered outside the fire station in Notting Hill to honour the brave firefighters who pulled out survivors from the burning building.

Notting Hill Carnival over the years – In pictures

30 show all

A second minute’s silence will be held on Monday at the same time, 3pm.

Security at the carnival is also on high alert this year after a wave of terror attacks across the UK and Europe, including the Barcelona attack earlier this month.

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