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Usually fussy Londoners together for the greater part of Europe Street

Performers dance in the parade during the carnival this year's Notting Hill in London. Photo: Stephen Hird / Reuters

It's that time of year when Londoners get rid of inhibitions that usually prevent them making eye contact on the tube and lower portion to the sound of soca and reggae at the Notting Hill Carnival. Europe's largest street festival, which also attracts many visitors from outside the capital, marks its 45th anniversary this year. Some pictures are already up on Flickr.What started with a little strip has become a major event that attracts about 1 million people from every race, class and age group, far from the portrait of Notting Hill in 1999 Romcom's Richard Curtis.

This gives a foretaste of what to expect:

What began as a way for immigrants to preserve their culture has become a permanent part of the agenda and I dare say was a celebration of diversity. Even the police join the party:

The carnival was marred by violence in the past, albeit one million people attending some pain may be inevitable.There is a big security operation in force today, and more than 150 people have been sent letters from police telling them to stay away. Parades today began earlier than usual, attracting a large crowd despite a gray autumn weather.

For those who complain about the basslines deafening whistles and the crowds there are many for whom Carnival is a rare opportunity to let their hair. And, as Lloyd Bradley wrote on Cif, it still reflects the heart of London's black.