usain bolt among thousands enjoying 'peaceful' notting hill carnival

Usain Bolt takes the mic at Notting Hill Carnival (Picture: Puma)

Colourful costumes,sunshine,smoke from Jerk grills and music have filled the streets of London for Notting Hill Carnival.

The carnival,Europe’s biggest street party and an annual extravaganza over the summer bank holiday weekend,helps celebrate Caribbean culture and history.

Olympian Usain Bolt made an appearance today,telling The Guardian: ‘Even before I’ve gone to Notting Hill carnival,I’ve heard about it so many times.

‘It’s something you see on TV,your friends tell you about it,and say: ‘You should come. It’s a different vibe.’

The world’s fastest sprinter said carnival ‘wouldn’t be the same’ if it were made a ticketed event or moved from the streets,as some locals have called for.

‘Knowing what carnival is – it’s about marching and the vibes and the energy – to put it in one space where people can’t move,it’s not going to be the same,’ he said.

‘I think it would definitely kill. A lot of people probably wouldn’t go that much.’

TV chef Big Zuu said he had been coming to carnival since he was one.

‘Multiculturalism is important,’ said the TV personality.

Usain Bolt walks through the crowds of Notting Hill (Picture: Puma)

‘It’s a celebration of black culture in England which we need right now. We have got these idiots putting up English flags. We’re all British,we are part of Britain,this is a multicultural country.

‘This is the best celebration of multiculturalism in the country.’

Colourful outfits were on display today (Picture: EPA)

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