Street carnival ends on a brighter note

Plumes, bikinis and fantastical costumes in tropical colours were out in force yesterday as revellers enjoyed an outbreak of blue skies and sunshine at the Notting Hill Carnival.

By The Newsroom

Published 30th Aug 2010, 23:18 BST

Updated 30th Aug 2010, 23:18 BST

Revellers made the most of a respite from recent dismal weather in the south to enjoy the final day of Europe's biggest street festival with thousands lining the streets in west London to watch the parade.

The rain-free event yesterday contrasted with afternoon showers on Sunday when crowds of more than 400,000 lined the three-and-a-half mile route to watch the first day of the festival.

The 6m policing strategy for the event appeared to be running

smoothly, with the Metropolitan Police reporting 104 arrests by early afternoon for a range of offences, including 15 arrests for possession of Class A drugs.

Police responded to two stabbings, which resulted in minor injuries. About 5,000 officers patrolled the event on Sunday and yesterday.

London Ambulance Service said they had dealt with 264 casualties by 11pm on Sunday with 52 people taken to hospital. The others had less serious injuries.