London’s famous Notting Hill Carnival reached its highest level of stabbings in seven years as men with knives, 275 arrests, and several hospitalizations marred the two-day spectacle.

The event, which took place from Aug. 27 to 28, attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees on the streets of England’s capital, and features live music, performances, and entertainment.

Over 2 million attended this year’s annual festival, which has earned its stripes as Europe’s largest street party and one of the world’s biggest celebrations of Caribbean music and culture.

But despite its joyous nature, violent riots and vicious attacks plagued festivities, leaving eight people stabbed as a 29-year-old man remains in critical condition.

Videos circulating on social media show groups of young people running down a street dressed in black and wearing ski masks Monday night.

One individual appears to be waving a large machete as police on horseback chase after the group. 

Another man was seen brandishing a large weapon as he approached a group of people at the carnival.

A 19-year-old was transported to the hospital in “serious but stable” condition following a stabbing as well. 

“It is regrettable that for a second year in a row, Monday night at Carnival has been marred by serious violence,” said Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who oversaw the policing operation.

Six other people, whose ages ranged from 18 to 40, were stabbed in separate incidents and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. 

Police said 275 people were arrested across both days of the carnival, which saw myriad crimes take place, including possession of weapons, assaults on police officers, drug possession, and sexual offenses.

Seventy-five officers were attacked during the festival, including six bitten, one sexually assaulted, and one hospitalized, London’s Metropolitan Police said.

“Nobody disputes the significance of Carnival on London’s cultural calendar, and the overwhelming majority of those who came will have had a positive experience,” Adelekan said.

“However, we cannot overlook the stabbings, sexual assaults, and attacks on police officers that we have seen.”

Police have called the attacks “absolutely disgusting,” adding, “No wonder our members dread policing this event.”

The annual carnival has been taking place in London’s Notting Hill since 1966 and continues to serve as a way of showing solidarity within the growing Caribbean communities in the British capital.

The street festival is the UK’s largest celebration of culture, diversity, and inclusivity, featuring vibrant costumes, music, dancing, and food, and comes second only to Brazil’s Rio Carnival in size.

Music legend Shaggy performed at this year’s event.

Last year, the carnival turned deadly after a 21-year-old man was stabbed and more than 200 arrests were made throughout the celebratory weekend.

London’s Metropolitan Police made 209 arrests, including eight for sexual assaults, 36 for possession of drugs, 33 for possession of weapons, and 27 for public order offenses.