The doom-mongers may complain that commercial pressures and a growing reluctance to annoy the posh neighbours are stealing the soul of the Notting Hill Carnival.
But though the weather was more autumnal than Caribbean, the crowds flocked back to the festival as it celebrated its 40th birthday from August 28 to 29.
An estimated one million people — about 350 000 more than last year — danced and swayed to the pounding rhythms of the steel bands and sound systems that transform this fashionable west London area into one of the world’s biggest party venues.
About 10 500 police officers were on duty each day — 500 more than were patrolling the Republican Convention in New York.
Officers pounced on a group of youths at an east London subway station after they were told that a group of 60 young people were planning to travel to Notting Hill to cause trouble. Eight people were arrested for possession of knives and body armour.
However, by late afternoon on Monday only 64 people had been arrested over the two days — compared with 94 at the same point last year.
Over the past few years there have been complaints that the carnival is becoming too much part of the establishment, especially since the 2002 carnival was tied in with Queen Elizabeth’s golden jubilee celebrations.
Debi Gardner, a director of London Notting Hill Carnival, which organises the festival, denied that the event had become too commercial and left its roots behind.
She said: ”The carnival has developed. It has moved with the times but it retains its traditions. You can’t get more traditional than the steel bands that were performing here.”
Despite the success, this year’s carnival could be the last to be confined to the streets of Notting Hill. The mayor of London’s carnival strategic review wants it re-routed next year amid fears that if the carnival continues to be held in a relatively confined area, there will eventually be a fatal crush. The organisers will resist a move from their traditional partying ground. — Â