Notting Hill Carnival — Europe’s biggest street party
Useful things to know before your visit
Address: Notting Hill
What are the dates?
29th to 30th August 2027 · Family Day (29th); Main parade (30th)
How much do the tickets cost?
Free to watch · See nhcarnival.org
Which buses go to Notting Hill?
Bus routes 7,12, 23, 27, 28, 31, 70, 94 and 328 all stop close by
Which is the closest train station?
The nearest station is Notting Hill Gate, which connects with the Central Circle and District lines. You can walk the ½ mile to Notting Hill in about 8 minutes
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EmailMore than a million people are expected to attend Europe's biggest street festival over August Bank Holiday weekend.
The Notting Hill Carnival is a celebration of Caribbean culture with extravagantly clothed dancers, decorated floats, steel bands, samba bands and loud sound systems.
Photo: David Sedlecky/Wikimedia CommonsSunday 29th August - Family Day
J'Ouvert - 6 AM to 9 AM, Ladbroke Grove - The carnival always kicks off with J'Ouvert, a Caribbean tradition that sees hardcore revellers turn up early in the morning to celebrate the opening day. It's basically an excuse to dance, party, and throw lots of colourful paint and powder around.
Opening Ceremony - 10 AM to 10.30 AM, Great Western Road.
Photo: nhcarnivalldn/InstagramChildren's Parade - Sunday is definitely the best day to bring your little kids because whilst it's still incredibly busy, it's not as full-on as Monday. The parade will be full of children dancing in the street in colourful costumes. There will also be lots of family-friendly activities in the surrounding streets.
Photo: Romazur/Wikimedia CommonsDutty/Fun Mas Parade - You need to embrace the revelry for this one because it's all madcap mayhem. If you're a spectator on the street then be prepared to get covered in brightly coloured paint and powder... or even a bit of melted chocolate!
Photo: David Sedlecky/Wikimedia CommonsLive stages - 12 noon to 7 PM (both days) - There are two stages with live music and entertainment: Soca City Stage in Emslie Horniman's Pleasance Playground, and another one in Powis Square.
Food and drink stalls - There will be over 300 stalls in the surrounding streets selling everything from Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Trinidadian Roti to Guyanese Pepper Pot. You can also find lots of veggie and vegan options.
Photo: nhcarnival.orgMonday 30th August - Main Day
This is the main event. The parade begins in Great Western Road (at the junction with Elkstone Road), before turning left along Westbourne Park Road and south down Chepstow Road. It will then turn right along Westbourne Grove, north up Ladbroke Grove, and come to an end at the junction with Kensal Road.
Photo: Angel Ganev/Wikimedia CommonsBe aware that due to the huge numbers of people attending Ladbroke Grove station is usually closed for safety reasons. Other stations nearby might also close at short notice, or might only allow you to exit (so you won't be able to catch a train home from them).
Photo: nhcarnival.orgBuses are not allowed to enter the carnival area either, so you might have to walk south to Notting Hill Gate, or north to the Prince of Wales pub in Harrow Road.
I’ve ranked the Notting Hill Carnival as ★3 in the annual events I’d plan a trip around
What do you think? (2)
Are you going? Ask a question about this event
BS Is it really as busy as they say? We are supposed to be taking our kids tomorrow (on Family Day). (reply)
↳Staff Hi BS. Family Day best describes all the family-friendly activities on offer. There will be lots of kids performing in the parade as well. It’s not quite as loud and lively as Monday, but the crowd size will still be huge. There could be up to ½ million on Sunday, compared to 1 million on Monday. (reply)
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