Over the bank holiday weekend, Notting Hill Carnival returned to the streets of West London after a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19. Thousands of people packed the street for the two-day event dressed in kaleidoscope costumes to match the 50,000 performers. The event – which emerged after the racist killing of the Antiguan carpenter Kelso Cochrane in 1959 – has grown to become the second-biggest carnival in the world, after the one held in Rio de Janeiro.
“Notting Hill Carnival means a lot to me because of the traditions and many years of fun,” one attendee, Christine, told Huck. “Thinking that carnival might not come back was a sad thought, but yesterday seeing so many friendly and beautiful people was magical.”
Another attendee, Harry, who plays at the event as part of the steel pan band Hype Mas, shared his thoughts on Carnival’s return. “I’ve missed the costume, the vibes, the energy… everything. I’ve been doing six years,” he said, “and I’ll keeping doing this every year until I’m old and grey!”
The weekend kicked off with the UK National Panorama Steelband Competition at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park, which saw Ebony Steelband secure its 23rd win. Later in the day, there was time for reflection, with a 72-second silence to honour the 72 victims of the Grenfell Tower fire. Another silence was held on Sunday at the same time. The blaze destroyed Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017, claiming the lives of 72 residents.
Speaking to the crowd through a microphone, Grenfell survivor Zoe Dainton said: “June the 14th of this year marked five years since the fire. Five years and still no justice, still no charges, not much change.”
Photographer Humothy attended the two-day event to capture Carnival’s much-anticipated return.
Follow Humothy on Instagram.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
“I refuse to accept child poverty is a normal part of our society”: Apsana Begum MP on voting to scrap the cap
After seeking to “enhance” the King’s Speech by voting for the scrapping of the controversial two child benefit cap, the MP for Poplar and Limehouse lost the Labour Whip.
Written by: Apsana Begum
Is skateboarding really a subculture anymore?
With skate’s inclusion in the Olympics, Kyle Beachy asks what it means for the culture around the sport, and whether it’s possible to institutionalise an artform.
Written by: Kyle Beachy
Autism cannot be cured — stop trying
A questionable study into the ‘reversal’ of autism does nothing but reinforce damaging stereotypes and harm, argues autistic author Jodie Hare.
Written by: Jodie Hare
Bristol Photo Festival returns for second edition
After the success of it’s inaugural run, the festival returns this autumn with exhibitions, education and community programmes exploring a world in constant motion through still image.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Documenting the life of a New York gang leader paralysed by gun violence
New photobook ‘Say Less’ is a complex yet humanising look into a life wrecked by gun violence and organised crime.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The woman who defined 80s Hip Hop photography
A new exhibition brings together Janette Beckman’s visionary and boundary pushing images of an era of cultural change and moral panic.
Written by: Miss Rosen