London crowds

It's a London tradition that goes back almost 50 years, but it was the younger genereration that took centre stage at today's Notting Hill Carnival. Thousands of revellers celebrated Children's Day, with more than a million people expected over the two day event.

Exotic dancers, vibrant music and the smell of Caribbean food are livening up London today as Europe's biggest street festival hits the capital.

Thousands of people cheered Notting Hill Carnival's colourful procession through the sunny streets to the beat of steel drums and sound systems.

Lines of traditional floats and brightly costumed dancers paraded along the three-and-a-half mile route during the event which marks the carnival's 48th year.

The party atmosphere saw face-painted children and families dancing on the side-lines. Even police officers showed off their moves in front of the crowds.Today is the carnival's family day and children and young people travelled on many of the floats from schools, community groups and sports club.