History repeated itself yesterday as seven of us skaters once again took to the streets of  Notting Hill Carnival 2926 — this time for its incredible 60th anniversary.

For the second year running, we were approached by Llani, founder of Imperio Da Rainha Samba School, to lead out their magnificent Samba ensemble on skates.

What an honour!

Last year was our first experience of being part of the Carnival parade, and after the amazing response we received, we were absolutely delighted to be invited back. We did not hesitate to say yes!

But this year came with a very different brief…

Our Brief — Leme Beach Comes to Notting Hill

This year, our inspiration was the wonderfully vibrant and multicultural atmosphere of Leme Beach in Rio de Janeiro.

If you've ever experienced Brazilian beach culture, you'll know that the beach isn't simply somewhere you go for a swim. It's a whole way of life.

And at the heart of that culture are the beach sellers who make it possible for families and friends to spend an entire day enjoying themselves by the sea.

They provide pretty much everything you could need — deck chairs, food, drinks, cocktails, corn, burgers, bikinis and plenty more!

These beach sellers play an important role in allowing Brazilian beach culture to thrive, and it was this colourful, energetic and wonderfully playful environment that we were asked to bring to the streets of Notting Hill.

Skaters Become Beach Sellers

So, this year, our skaters swapped the colourful 1950's Windrush outfits of last years parade for shorts, T-shirts, swimwear and plenty of Brazilian-inspired bling.

Our job was to recreate that unmistakable Leme Beach atmosphere — but on eight wheels!

And what a lot of fun we had doing it.

There was something wonderfully liberating about skating through the streets of Notting Hill dressed for the beach, while surrounded by the incredible energy of Samba, Brazilian culture and Carnival as a whole.

It was playful, colourful and a little bit bonkers — which, let's be honest, is exactly what makes Notting Hill Carnival so special.

The combination of roller skating, Samba and Brazilian/African-Caribbean influenced culture created something really unique.

And being able to introduce those Brazilian Samba and Capoeira elements to the streets of London through our love for skating was a real privilege.

And just for as an added bonus, I bumped into my 17 year son at work as we made our way to the start line. What were the chances of that eh!

Leading the Parade

We were also incredibly proud to be the first of the street performers to parade.

That meant we had the responsibility of helping to lead the way and represent Imperio Da Rainha as the Samba ensemble made its way through the streets. 

Over 2 million people attended the carnivals 60th edition, so it was really a pleasure to be included.

For seven skaters, many of us from a generation that grew up skating in very different times, it was quite a moment.

Roller skating continues to evolve, and opportunities like this show just how far it can reach.

We're not simply skating around a rink anymore.

We're skating through communities, celebrations, cultural events and the biggest free street event in London.

And we're doing it alongside some seriously talented performers.

A Huge Thank You

A massive thank you to Llani for inviting us back for a second year and trusting us to represent Imperio Da Rainha on skates.

Thank you also to Toby, Llani's partner, for the love, passion, creativity and sheer effort he put into helping bring our props together with Llani (and keeping us organised on the day).

Also a huge well done Leila for her input on making so many of the Samba outfits to to life.

It really was a team effort, and the finished result was something we were all incredibly proud of.

And Then There Was the BBC…

Now here's something rather special.

For the second year running, the skaters and Imperio Da Rainha featured in the BBC's coverage of Notting Hill Carnival (see intro video).

And once again, we found ourselves on the telly!

Michael Adu became one of the key spokespeople featured in the BBC's coverage, giving the wider public another glimpse into the incredible community and culture behind the Carnival.

What an honour.

And I have to say… it does seem that Michael and I have developed a rather special relationship with the BBC.

They just can't seem to resist featuring us! 😂

Joking aside, being represented in the BBC's coverage for the second consecutive year is something we don't take for granted.

It gives the people and communities behind it another opportunity to be seen and heard by a much wider audience.

60 Years of Notting Hill Carnival

The 60th anniversary of Notting Hill Carnival was always going to be a special occasion.

To be part of it on skates, representing Brazilian-inspired beach culture alongside Imperio Da Rainha, made it even more memorable for us.

Seven skaters.

One Samba ensemble.

A whole lot of colour, music, feathers, bling and wheels.

And once again, we got to make a little bit of roller skating history in the streets of Notting Hill.

➡️ Watch video:  Notting Hill Carnival 2926 - with Imperio Da Rainha

➡️ Watch video: Notting Hill Carnival 2026 - Behind the Scenes Footage

Here's to Carnival, culture, community — and skating our way into the next chapter. 

Read our original 2025 story: Making History — Notting Hill Carnival 2025 Winners