Now in its 44th year, west London's Notting Hill Carnival returns this bank holiday weekend, bringing colourful costumes, music and delicious Caribbean food to the second largest street festival in the world.

Led by Londoners who originate from Trinidad and Tobago, the first event actually took place in 1959, some 51 years ago, and was held indoors. It took five years to reach the streets of Westbourne Grove and surrounding roads, but has now become a traditional bank holiday weekend activity for many in London. The must-attend event on any rock fans calendar, Reading and Leeds Festivals take place this weekend.

Reading - which has existed in this guise since 1971 - and Leeds, introduced 11 years ago in 1999, share the same bill and take place simultaneously over Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Guns N' Roses, who headline, are a must-see act, though fans will be hoping that their performance occurs without incident. Also playing are Paramore, The Libertines and Arcade Fire.