The chaotic energy of Notting Hill Carnival, in photos | Huck

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The chaotic energy of Notting Hill Carnival, in photos

Come together — Photographer Theo McInnes made his way to W11 to capture the gloriously messy affair, as revellers beat the rain during a two-day celebration.

Every year, on the final weekend of August, London plays host to Carnival.

Since it was first launched by journalist and activist Claudia Jones in 1959, the free event – one of the world’s largest street carnivals – has been celebrating Caribbean culture in the UK with renowned fervour. And, despite the best efforts from certain corners of the British media to demonise, Carnival continues to thrive with each year that passes.

For 2018’s edition, as Britain found itself coming to terms with the grim, unforgivable realities of the Windrush scandal, there was even more emphasis on Carnival’s sheer importance as a staple fixture in the the capital’s calendar. Needless to say, Londoners didn’t need any help in coming together to celebrate.

Arrest figures and the unwelcome regurgitation of hot takes aside, Carnival 2018 was a party – from the young people kicking off proceedings on ‘Family Day’, to the pissed-up revellers dancing like they didn’t have work the following day.

Photographer Theo McInnes was there to capture the gloriously chaotic affair for Huck.


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