For the first time since the pandemic Adults Day at Notting Hill Carnival returned to the streets of west London.

The close to a million people in attendance shimmied down the streets with sound systems booming.

Two people who have waited two years were Neisha Diaz and Alexander Payne in their “African-themed” outfits.

“This is part of my family’s heritage, when I’m here, I’m here and I’ve got my outfit on, I’m in it to win it,” said Diaz.

At 3pm, a group of people stopped in 72-seconds of silence by the parade marking the 72 lives lost in the Grenfell Tower fire five years ago.

Among the group were the first firefighters to arrive at the scene, alongside survivors and campaigners.

Behind a food stand a man selling jerk chicken for a queue summed up how lots of people were feeling.

Notting Hill Carnival returns after two-year absence

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“This is a family,” he said. “I’ve missed the food and good vibes.”

Festival returns for first time since pandemic

Revellers dressed in colourful costumes descended on the streets of west London for Notting Hill Carnival for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic.

The Metropolitan Police said there had been 76 arrests for “a variety of different offences” by 7am on Monday.

Officers also said a police horse died on duty during the carnival after collapsing around 9pm on Sunday.

The force said it was too early to determine the cause of death and added that there will be an investigation.

London mayor Sadiq Khan said: “As a Londoner I’m really pleased carnival is back.”

He said carnival was celebrating Caribbean culture, heritage, and history and there was a “pent up” demand for festivities this year.

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