Since its first outdoor festival in 1966 — which was established by community activist Rhaune Laslett to ease inter-cultural tensions in the area — the Notting Hill carnival has expanded into a dazzling showcase of music, dance and Caribbean culture. Think of the carnival today and you’ll likely conjure scenes of bold, brilliant colour, whirling movement and thumping beats. Or maybe past performances by Beyoncé, Stormzy or Lil’Kim? Which is exactly why we love Charlie Gillett’s black-and-white image from 1972. Despite its monochrome palette, it vibrantly captures the fun, energy and community spirit at the heart of the carnival celebrations — a testament to the power of documentary photography.

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