There might have been a mild sense of caution surrounding this year’s festivities off the back of the London riots, but a heavy police presence – 5,500 – ensured Notting Hill Carnival 2011 kicked off in the highest of spirits.  The peaceful atmosphere was welcome by all, as kids and adults partied on floats and around soundsystems – and not even the temperamental weather could mar Children’s Day, which precedes the main event on Bank Holiday Monday.

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Pics: Matilda Egere-Cooper

Music: So High by Machel Montano