Notting Hill carnival in London This is now a world famous annual carnival that was first started in 1959 in London by newly arrived Afro Caribbean immigrants from the Caribbean. It is held in the Notting Hill district of London (hence the name) and is traditionally held every year on the Sunday and Monday of the last bank holiday of August. As one of the largest street carnivals in Europe it was reported that in one year at its peak it was attended by up to 2 million people over the course of 2 days. It is widely seen as a positive reflection of the capitals multi-ethnic diversity.   It has been said that the carnival initially started as a response to the Notting Hill race riots that broke out in the late 1950’s. As a way to improve the deteriorating race relations in the area it was suggested that a carnival take place. The first carnival was then organised and took place in 1959, however the first large scale out door carnival happened in 1966. it has been a annual outdoor event ever since then. The carnival has a very strong Caribbean theme to it with steel bands playing and a lively party atmosphere.  On the negative side there have been periods of violence during certain carnivals that have raised concerns about the security of carnival goers. This has led to many reviews and changes in the way the carnival is policed. In previous years up to 11,000 police have been on duty on carnival days.