What is Notting Hill Carnival?
The Notting Hill Carnival was first held in 1966 as an offshoot of the Trinidad Carnival, celebrating Caribbean culture and traditions in London. Since then it has become the largest street festival in Europe.
You can watch elaborate floats and colourful costumed performers wind their way through the streets in the carnival parade, dance to the sound of steel bands and calypso music, and visit the tempting food stalls along the route!
When is Notting Hill Carnival?
Notting Hill Carnival happens every year on the last weekend of August, including the summer bank holiday (public holiday) Monday.
In 2018, the carnival takes place on 25, 26 and 27 August.
Where does the carnival take place?
The carnival takes place on the streets of London W10 and W11, usually around Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Grove, Westbourne Park and Kensal Road.
What can you do there?
The festival kicks off on Saturday evening with a steel band music competition, Caribbean-themed outdoor entertainment and street food during Panorama. Entry is free and the event takes place between 6pm and 10pm at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park (Bosworth Road W10).
Get up early on the Sunday morning to experience the traditional Caribbean carnival opening J’Ouvert. Join the parade or watch on as revellers march through the streets covered in mud and colourful paint between 6am and 9am. The procession starts and ends at Canal Way (Ladbroke Grove W10).
Children’s Day (Sunday Parade) takes over during the day and evening. See young performers dancing and swirling through the streets to show off their elaborate costumes in the Children’s Day Parade; hear live music at dedicated stages in Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance park and Powis Square, and make sure to enjoy the 38 static sound systems, delicious food stalls and family activities.
See colourful dancers, performers, steel bands and mobile sound systems fill the streets of Notting Hill for the Grand Finale (Monday Parade). Plus, tuck into delicious treats from the many food stalls in the area, and enjoy even more entertainment at the 38 static sound systems along the route and live stages in Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance park and Powis Square.
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