Notting Hill Carnival — Everything You Need to Know

Though you don’t need any reason to re(visit) London, there is absolutely no reason why you should keep calm about the Notting Hill Carnival either! Be prepared to be swept off your feet by Europe’s biggest street carnival, the celebration of the music, food, culture and life.

Attended by over 2 million visitors in 2018, Notting Hill Carnival is an ostentatious display of all things Carribean! Scheduled on August 25 and 26, it features costume parades, live music, culture shows and Carribean cuisine(a whole lot of it!).

What to expect?

Pro night, August 24 at 6 PM: The grandeur starts in the Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park with the Panorama event, an open-air music performance by professional steel bands. Don’t forget to try the street food — compromise on your diet a bit with the lip-smacking Callaloo or Grilled jerk chicken!

August 25 AKA The Family Day: The party kickstarts with J’ouvert, a fun tradition of covering oneself in the mud before setting out on a parade with mugs. Later in the day, children get dressed in vibrant colours and frenetically dance to thumping music — this event is an absolute no miss in the entire carnival!

August 26 AKA The Grand Finale: Expect professional artists dancing in flamboyant costumes, Soca Float music shows, Steel Band performances and delectable concoctions of Caribbean food in every nook and corner.

Travel Titbit:

Being a widely popular event that attracts visitors from all over the world, it may inflict sudden changes in transport schedules and road diversions. Be alert to the same before you set out.

Where to attend?

The parade starts at 10 AM in the morning from Great Western Road and crosses Westbourne Grove before it ends in Ladbroke Grove. You can join anywhere you want based on your convenience. Check out the route map for more insights. From Notting Hill Gate, Holland Park and Queensway, reach the venue by Central Line. Access the Circle Line or the Hammersmith and City Line to reach Westbourne Grove.

What was started as a way to rejoice the diverse culture that the United Kingdom is, has now evolved into much more — a carnival that reminds people to take pride in the roots they come from! Celebrate it like a local, on your London vacation with Pickyourtrail!