Notting Hill carnival: day one - in pictures

Young performers take part in the Notting Hill carnival children's day, which marks the start of Europe's biggest street festival Photograph: Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images

A young girl enjoys the celebrations during children's day, which was expected to include up to 70 floats Photograph: Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images

Colourfully dressed performers dance in the streets Photograph: Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images

Police officers wave as they arrive to patrol the Notting Hill carnival Photograph: Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images

Lisa Hone, centre in red, on her hen weekend with friends Photograph: Felix Clay/Guardian

Performers display their ornate feathered headdresses Photograph: Felix Clay/Guardian

Revellers get messy as they take part in the Jour Ouvert celebration, which marks the start of Notting Hill carnival Photograph: Sang Tan/AP

A reveller joins the throng Photograph: Felix Clay/Guardian

A woman throws powder at a fellow reveller during the Jour Ouvert celebration Photograph: Sang Tan/AP

Performers covered in chocolate keep things sweet Photograph: Facundo Arrizabalaga/AFP/Getty Images

A girl watches as revellers parade through the street Photograph: Sang Tan/AP

Youngsters painted their faces and wore dazzling costumes for children's day Photograph: Luke Macgregor/Reuters

A performer dances in the street Photograph: Felix Clay/Guardian

A woman passes boarded-up shops in Notting Hill before the carnival gets under way Photograph: Luke Macgregor/Reuters

Women wave from a window as they watch the parade Photograph: Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images