Patsy in an elaborate feathered costume and jeweled headdress dances at a street carnival
Samba queens to sound systems: the riotous streets of Notting Hill carnival – in pictures
Wayne Campbell and Wayne Crichlow have been photographing carnival for 15 years, capturing a blur of dancers, style icons and singalongs on the tube home
‘Elegant and in control’ … Samba Queen by Wayne Campbell
Thu 6 Aug 2026 02.00 EDT
The Details Matter by Wayne Crichlow This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Notting Hill carnival. It’s being celebrated with a new book by Wayne Campbell and Wayne Crichlow, who have spent more than 15 years documenting the event. Of this image, Crichlow says: ‘Before I noticed the suit, I noticed the hands. Every ring, every detail, seemed to tell part of a story. Carnival style is never simply about fashion; it’s another way people express who they are.’ Carnival of Resistance by Wayne Campbell and Wayne Crichlow is available to purchase. All photos: Wayne Campbell/Wayne Crichlow
Back Off by Wayne Campbell ‘I was following the London School of Samba a few years ago and one of the dancers in the crew just had the most amazing back. She was dancing and flexing – it showed power and it showed beauty. I absolutely love this shot’
Two Stories, One Moment by Wayne Crichlow ‘A selfie became less interesting than the friendship beside it. I was drawn to the two different experiences unfolding at exactly the same moment. Carnival is often photographed as one shared experience, but moments like this remind me that everyone carries their own story through the streets’
Happy Feet by Wayne Campbell ‘I took this picture a few years ago when I was stood at one of the sound system stages. I saw this photographer with her daughter, who was dancing in front of a crowd, so I crouched down to capture her’
Quiet Confidence by Wayne Crichlow ‘What caught my attention wasn’t the colours of the Jamaican flag but the confidence in his expression. Carnival has always been a place where identity is worn with pride, and this portrait quietly captures that spirit’
Black by Wayne Campbell ‘There is nothing more powerful than watching Jab Jab at the Notting Hill carnival. It is loud, it is bold and it is powerfully spectacular. The chiselled ebony bodies marching along the route, covered in oil and wearing their horns, is most definitely a spectacle to behold’
Sharing Carnival by Wayne Crichlow ‘Looking down instead of ahead, I found someone sharing carnival through a video call. It reminded me that today’s carnival extends far beyond west London, connecting families and friends across the world in real time’
Drummer Boy by Wayne Campbell ‘I was watching one of the groups prepare for Panorama [steelpan competition], and was completely in awe of this young man’s drumming talent. He had the crowd in his hands with his beats. Absolutely amazing’
The Spirit Beneath the Celebration by Wayne Crichlow ‘The dancing celebrates something much older than the music. Carnival’s roots in resistance, emancipation and cultural identity are never far beneath the surface. Sixty years after taking to the streets of Notting Hill, that spirit continues to unite generations’
Samba Queen by Wayne Campbell ‘Her name is Patsy, and she is the samba queen. I met Patsy years ago and have been taking pictures of her at carnival ever since. When she is dancing, she is in her element: beautiful, elegant and in control’
Finding Stillness by Wayne Crichlow ‘Among the colour and noise I found complete stillness. Surrounded by thousands of revellers, he closed his eyes as though the world had briefly disappeared. Moments like this remind me that carnival isn’t only experienced collectively; sometimes it’s deeply personal’
Blood by Wayne Campbell ‘I took this picture in 2025, during the J’ouvert and Jab Jab excitement of the early morning. I saw this young lady walking in total character: she played to the arena in full costume. She had blood in her mouth and wanted everyone watching to be reminded of what Jab Jab represented. I love this shot’
The Journey Home by Wayne Crichlow ‘Long after the sound systems fall silent, carnival continues on the journey home. This train carriage became an extension of the streets above, where strangers laughed, sang and shared one last moment together. Sometimes the final chapter of the day is just as memorable as the first’
Fight! by Wayne Campbell ‘If you have not been to J’ouvert on an early carnival morning, and are not afraid of getting a bit of paint thrown at you, this is something I would fully recommend. The vibe is electric, the atmosphere is friendly and inclusive. And as you can see from this shot, everybody is having a great time!’
