Rain fails to dampen carnival goers spirits

Afternoon showers failed to dampen the party spirit yesterday as revellers descended on London for the first day of the Notting Hill Carnival.

Crowds of spectators lined the three-and-a-half mile route as dancers in flamboyant outfits paraded through the streets of west London.

Cloudy skies and a short burst of heavy rain did not stop people enjoying the spectacle of Children's Day and tucking into traditional Caribbean food at Europe's biggest street festival.

Notting Hill Carnival director Ancil Barclay said: "It's been excellent. We've had some exceptional costumes on display today. There was a bit of rain earlier, but it has not stopped the flow of floats coming through the judging point and the crowds of spectators. The atmosphere has been fantastic."

The 6 million policing strategy appeared to be running smoothly, with the Metropolitan Police reporting 12 arrests by late afternoon for public order and drink-driving offences, plus drugs possession.