8 d. ago England ace wears brilliant disguise as star parties at Notting Hill Carnival

Cole Palmer partied at the Notting Hill Carnival over the weekend as the Chelsea star posted a snap of his disguise as he joined in the festivities after missing the Blues' win at West Ham

Politics

1 week ago ‘Not everyone can handle it!’ Discover the raunchy, relentless sounds taking over Caribbean carnivals

At Notting Hill carnival this weekend you’ll hear the sound of bouyon and dennery segment, mutated subgenres full of sexualised lyrics. The creators explain how this deliriously fun music went viralAt this year’s Fête de la Musique in Paris, British ravers who had streamed over to enjoy the annual street party – think Notting Hill carnival without the procession – found themselves hearing, and then swiftly dancing to, a wildly uptempo tune called Bouwéy.Built from a languid vocal at odds with clattering African percussion, the track bowled out from sound systems and car windows, quite unlike anything else: a defining song of the summer. Made by Guadeloupean act 1T1, Bouwéy has now hit 12m views on YouTube. But its frenetic pace and startling synth work haven’t arrived in a vacuum – instead it is the vanguard of a sound known as bouyon, part of a whirlwind of dance genres leaping out from the Caribbean to the world, including at Notting Hill carnival this weekend. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Leeds West Indian Carnival 2025: What is the Carnival Royalty Show and how do I get tickets?

The King and Queen of the Leeds West Indian Carnival will be crowned later today, ahead of them leading the procession on Monday

Politics

1 week ago Before the almost inevitable row about policing at Notting Hill carnival, here are some things you should know | Alfie Moore

As a police officer turned comedian, I joke about the job and try to explain it. But there is a gulf between what officers and the public think – and that does neither any goodThe cops are everywhere. This weekend, as Notting Hill carnival looms, you’ll see them on the streets and in the news.I’m a standup comedian, but also a recent ex-cop with plenty of mates still in the job to keep me apprised of what’s going on and what they are thinking. Usually this involves a sort of role reversal, where I play the part of the crisis negotiator and they’re weeping down the phone over the latest senior management policy. Here’s what’s really on their minds at the moment. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago Notting Hill carnival came ‘very close’ to not happening, says chair in funding appeal

Ian Comfort calls for government to recognise cultural importance of event and guarantee its sustainable futureAbout 2 million people are expected to take to the streets this weekend at the annual Notting Hill carnival for its mix of music, food and Caribbean culture, but for the man who runs it, there is a sense of relief to see it taking place at all.The chair of Notting Hill Carnival Ltd, Ian Comfort, told the Guardian that the event needed to secure a sustainable future after a year of funding rows, public disagreements with the Met police, and negative press after violence last year. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Five things you’ve got to do at Leeds West Indian Carnival this weekend

What should newcomers to the carnival this year throw themselves into to make the most of the carnival?

Politics

1 week ago Things to do in London this bank holiday weekend, from Notting Hill Carnival to Suede on Southbank

Josh Barrie picks the very best of what to do in the capital this bank holiday weekend

Politics

1 week ago The best things to do in London this August bank holiday, from the Independent’s travel experts

The carnival, museums and walking routes to catch in the capital this weekend

Politics

2 w. ago Met police’s facial recognition plans fall foul of European law, says watchdog

Use of cameras at Notting Hill carnival could have ‘chilling effect’ on people’s rights, says equality regulatorScotland Yard’s plan to widen the use of live facial recognition technology is unlawful because it is incompatible with European laws, the equalities regulator has claimed.As the UK’s biggest force prepares to use instant face-matching cameras at this weekend’s Notting Hill carnival, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said its use was intrusive and could have a “chilling effect” on individuals’ rights. Continue reading...

Events

2 w. ago Notting Hill Carnival 2025: Food, travel, sound systems and everything you need to know for the festival

The world’s second-largest street festival returns this bank holiday weekend as London welcomes the 58th edition of Notting Hill Carnival. Its happening comes as a relief: there had been murmurs of cancellation; rumours of ticketing when it has always been free to attend. Organisers warned about the carnival’s future. In a letter leaked to the BBC, chair Ian Comfort requested “urgent funding” from the Government. He said it was “essential to safeguarding the future and public safety of this iconic event”. A response is said to be on its way.

Transport

2 w. ago Police brace for Notting Hill Carnival carnage this weekend with 7,000 officers deployed and anti

The growing popularity of Europe's biggest street party in West London has led to politicians raising concerns over potential crushes at the event with some suggesting a move to Hyde Park.

Events

3 w. ago Police reveal number of arrests over Manchester Caribbean Carnival weekend

Thousands of revellers enjoyed a jubilant weekend

Events