Notting Hill Carnival 2024 UPDATES: Huge crowds after 90 arrested and mum, 32, critical after stabbing in front of kid
A SENIOR Metropolitan Police officer has said he is "tired of saying the same words every year" after a woman attending the Notting Hill Carnival with her child was stabbed.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is in charge of the policing operation for the event, said his officers "very narrowly avoided a fatality" and are "tired of seeing crime scenes" at the street party.
One million people are expected to attend the carnival, which marks the 56th year it has been running, and comes amid a summer of rioting across the UK.
The force said on Sunday it was aware of three stabbings at the annual west London celebrations, with a 29-year-old man in hospital with non-life threatening injuries, and a 24-year-old man also stabbed whose condition had yet to be confirmed.
Fifteen officers were assaulted, although none were seriously injured, and 90 arrests had been made on Sunday, police said.
Follow our live blog below for the latest updates....
From storms to sunshine
Carnival goers can expect mild temperatures today, with the sun making appearances in some areas and highs of 21°C.
The improvement comes after a cold spell, during which Storm Lillian caused wreaked havoc up north, creating chaos at the Leeds Festival.
Photo by Guy Bell/REX/Shutterstock Music fills the streets
Bands marching through the streets in today’s children’s parade, bringing a musical spark to the celebration
Credit: REX/Shutterstock 
Credit: REX/Shutterstock Route map
The parade route spans over three miles, beginning near Westbourne Park station, winding down Westbourne Grove, and looping back up towards Ladbroke Grove.
What is a sound system?
A sound system is a highly amplified mobile setup, often named and operated by a skilled team.
Rooted in Jamaican culture and reggae music, sound systems were first introduced to Notting Hill Carnival in 1973.
Today, over 30 static sound systems cater to a wide range of musical tastes, including Dub, Rare Groove, House, Jungle, Samba, Blues, and Hip Hop.
The sound systems kicked off at midday and will continue until 7pm.
Children's day parade in full swing
Credit: REX/Shutterstock 
Credit: Jeff Moore/PA Wire 
Credit: Guy Bell/Alamy Do I need a ticket for Notting Hill Carnival?
The Notting Hill Carnival parade is open to everyone and free to attend. However, if you wish to participate in the parade itself, you must be part of an authorised group or pay to join the procession.
For those looking to extend the celebrations into the evening, tickets are available for numerous afterparties happening throughout the city.
Best way to travel
For those heading to the Carnival, the best stations to use are Paddington, which serves the Bakerloo, Hammersmith & City, District, Circle, and Elizabeth lines, or Shepherd’s Bush, which serves the Central Line and Overground.
The following stations are closed or partially closed:
- Ladbroke Grove: Closed all day.
- Westbourne Park: No entry from 11:00.
- Latimer Road: Closes at 23:30.
- Notting Hill Gate: No entry from 11:00 to 18:00. The District and Circle lines will not stop, and there will be no interchange between the Central Line and the District/Circle lines all day.
- Holland Park: No entry from 11:00 to 15:00.
- Royal Oak: No entry from 11:00 to 18:00. The station closes at 18:00.
Carnival kick-off
The carnival kicked off this morning at 10:30 am, with the massive sound stage set to begin at midday. Today features the family and children's parade, with around one million people expected to descend on the event.