Nigerians at Nottinghill Carnival 08

As expected, Nigeria recorded a huge turnout at this year’s Nottinghill carnival. But, for the second year running, police would just not leave the green-white-green gathering alone to soak in the fun and get on with the groove.

In 2007, officers from the Metropolitan Police cordoned off Cambridge Gardens, the usual meeting point for Nigerians. Carnival-goers from the country that year wandered around aimlessly, with no float to follow. This year, there were at least two major meeting points for Nigerians: The AIT stand and the Blackknights/Grafton stand.

But, it was the latter, situated along Westbourne Park Road, that attracted heavy crowds, including many celebrities from Nigeria. The music was setting the crowd on fire, and many more joined in the fun.

Nearly two million fun-seekers attended the two-day street party this year.