Carnival costumes on the catwalk

Costume Splash showcases the biggest and best outfits

Notting Hill Carnival's flamboyant costumes of feathers, sequins and ruffles will be centre stage at a special event this weekend.

The outfits, now a hallmark of the two-day Bank Holiday weekend event, are to be showcased in Alexandra Palace in Wood Green, north London.

Children's costumes will be on show on Saturday and adults on Sunday.

Notting Hill Carnival Trust said it was a chance to display designers' talents away from the distractions of carnival.

Ruth Verrall, of the Notting Hill Carnival Trust, said each of the small London-based organisations which make up the Mas Bands send their king and queen and head boy and girl to compete in the costume splash.

"It works like a fashion show with the biggest and the best costumes on display," she said.

"It's a chance to show off the costumes without the usual distractions of carnival."

There will also be face painting, community stalls and other entertainment.