Notting Hill Carnival: In pictures

Colourful images illustrate the spectacle of the carnival across the years.

Flamboyance has long been a characteristic of carnival costumes

Children from local schools are always eager participants

Joyous dancing is a must at carnival time

The carnival has become a celebration of multi-cultural Britain

The carnival parade fills the streets with a sea of colour

Elaborate costumes take months to prepare

The police try to maintain a balance between crowd control and friendly involvement

The bigger the display the better as participants compete for the carnival limelight

Overcrowding in the narrow streets has become a problem