Notting Hill Carnival turns 50

The origins of Notting Hill Carnival can be found in several events which were going on in the mid-60s, but it was ultimately local resident Rhaune Laslett who set the wheel turning for the carnival's first incarnation in 1966. The aim of the street party was largely to improve race relations in the area.

The carnival soon grew in popularity and became increasingly associated with Caribbean and sound-system culture. It is now the second biggest carnival in the world after Rio, attracting more than 2.5 million visitors every year.

In previous decades, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, the carnival was tarnished by numerous cases of public disorder. In more recent years, the carnival has established itself as a firm favorite in British summer events for people of all ages.

Despite its name, Notting Hill Carnival also takes place across the areas Westbourne Park and Ladbroke Grove. Sunday marks the opening day of the carnival and is known as Children's Day. The second day features the main parade, filled with dancers, performers and steel bands.

Across August Bank Holiday weekend, revelers can immerse themselves in a two-day extravaganza of calypso, Caribbean costumes, and jerk chicken.

Revellers can't always count on the British summer to keep the Caribbean feeling alive. But nothing was going to stop these party-goers from getting into the spirit of the first day of this weekend's Notting Hill Carnival - especially the rain.

The main parade begins at 9 a.m. local time on Monday and continues for around five kilometers through the streets of West London until around 8:30 p.m. Some 38 sound systems and 60 bands are expected to take part this year, ensuring that the beat never stops.