Preparations underway for Notting Hill Carnival

Almost 40 static sound systems will each offer up their own selection of music including traditional soca or calypso as well as reggae, hip-hop jazz, soul, house and garage to entertain the crowds.

Hundreds of exotic food and drink stalls will also provide a variety of tastes from around the globe including the authentic flavours of the Caribbean, China, Thailand and Nigeria.

A key change to this year's event will see the carnival procession kick off at the earlier time of 9am and end at 6:30pm on both days and organisers are advising people to turn up early to avoid missing any of the show.

Chris Boothman, London Notting Hill Carnival's lead director, said: "Notting Hill Carnival is essentially an event that is designed to bring people of different backgrounds together in celebration of Caribbean culture.

"The event has huge international appeal and plays a crucial role in celebrating London's diversity and attracting visitors to our great capital city.

"Carnival gives revellers of all ages and backgrounds the chance to come together and celebrate three days of unique, free, and fun-filled entertainment and this year promises to be a spectacular event that is unrivalled anywhere in Europe and globally second only to the Rio Carnival in Brazil."

London Mayor Boris Johnson added: "Notting Hill Carnival is the summer celebration that attracts visitors from across the globe to London for the ultimate free street party.

"This year I encourage you all to arrive early to enjoy the colourful floats and the sounds of the mas bands and steel pans.

"The historic event highlights the best of Caribbean culture and the contribution that Caribbean Londoners have made.

"It illustrates the energy and colour of our great city, which is woven into the fabric of London life.

"There really is no better place to sample delicious Caribbean food and enjoy the dazzling colours of the costume parade.

"I hope everyone has a truly wonderful time at the carnival this year."

The Carnival Board works with local authorities and the Met police to ensure revellers and local residents can enjoy the festivities in safety.

Chief Inspector Jo Edwards, from the Met police, said: "Carnival is a wonderful, unique and vibrant event, which is of great importance to London.

"Our job is to make sure we do all we can to keep the thousands of people who go as safe as can be.

"Given the huge number of people who take part in Carnival crime rates are low, and our policing style last year made sure that less people were a victim of crime.

"We will be working with the full support of the organisers and the community to ensure that success continues this year."

The Carnival's official charity this year is The Prostate Cancer Charity, which will have a strong presence at Carnival to raise awareness of the disease.

Notting Hill Carnival was established in 1964 and covers a three and half mile route around west London, taking in Westbourne Grove, Ladbroke Grove and Kensal Road.