The Notting Hill Carnival

Held each August Bank Holiday since 1966, the Notting Hill Carnival is the largest festival celebration of its kind in Europe. Every year the streets of West London come alive, with the sounds and smells of Europe's biggest street festival. Twenty miles of vibrant colourful costumes surround over 40 static sound systems, hundreds of Caribbean food stalls, over 40,000 volunteers and over 1 million Notting Hill carnival revellers.

Starting its life as a local festival set up by the West Indian community of the Notting Hill area, it has now become a full-blooded Caribbean carnival, attracting millions of visitors from all over the globe. With many astonishing floats and the sounds of the traditional steel drum bands, scores of massive sound systems plus not forgetting the hundreds of stalls that line the streets of Notting Hill. The Notting Hill Carnival is arguably London's most exciting annual event.

The Notting Hill Carnival used to get under way on the Saturday with the steel band competition. Sunday is Kids' Day, when the costume prizes are awarded. On Bank Holiday Monday, the main parade takes place. It generally begins on Great Western Road, then winds its way along Chepstow Road, on to Westbourne Grove, and then Ladbroke Grove. In the evening, the floats leave the streets in procession, and people carry continue partying at the many Notting Hill Carnival after parties.

The Notting Hill Carnival dates for 2010 are August 29th and 30th.

If you are looking to have a stall at the Notting Hill Carnival, you will need to apply for a trading licence. Find out more on our links page

Frequently asked question about the Notting Hill Carnival.

What time is Carnival due to start?

The Carnival Bands will take to the roads from around 9am on Sunday 29th August and the same time on Monday 30th of August. Sunday is Children’s day and Monday is Adults day. The Carnival parade should complete its procession by 9pm

How to get to Carnival?

There are a number of parking restrictions and road closures so the best way to travel to Carnival is by public transport. Getting There

What is the best way to enter and exit the Carnival?

Over the years the Northern entrances and exits  have been the busiest, especially around the Harrow Road and Great Western Road. Carnival Organisers suggest to use other entrances particularly from the west or South