Europe’s biggest street festival, Notting Hill Carnival

Europe’s biggest street festival, Notting Hill Carnival (Sun Aug 30–Mon Aug 31) is a vivid spectacle representing London's multicultural past and present. Since 1964 the capital's Caribbean communities have celebrated their culture and traditions at this two-day festival of fantastic live music, which ranges from reggae to dub to salsa. The celebrations also include soca floats, steel bands and a whole lot of jerk chicken and fried plantain. The History of Notting Hill Carnival in London

First held in 1964 as an offshoot of the Trinidad Carnival, the Notting Hill Carnival has remained true to its Caribbean roots, bringing a spirit of diversity to London.

When the Notting Hill Carnival first started, around 500 people attended the Caribbean festival. Today it attracts hundreds of thousands to London, and continues to grow in popularity. You can expect to see some 50,000 performers more than 30 sound systems. More than 1 million people attend over the Carnival weekend.

Notting Hill Carnival Dates and Times Sunday at The Notting Hill Carnival is Family Day. It kicks off with J’Ouvert, a fun opening with dance, drummers and steel bands from 6am until 9am; before the children’s day parade gets under way. It's also the day costume prizes are awarded.

Bank Holiday Monday sees the main parade. In the evening, the floats leave the streets in procession and people continue the festivities at the many Notting Hill Carnival after-parties.

Travel to Notting Hill Carnival London public transport is the best way to travel to the Notting Hill Carnival. Allow extra time for your journey as a number of local Tube stations are closed or are subject to disruption. Ladbroke Grove station will be closed on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday; while Latimer Road, Notting Hill Gate, Royal Oak and Westbourne Park stations will face some disruption. Extra buses will be put on during the carnival weekend, including additional night buses. Buses will be diverted away from the carnival area from the first bus on Sunday to around 3am on Tuesday. See the Transport for London website for full details and use the Journey Planner to plan your outward or return journey.