The streets of west London come alive every August bank holiday weekend with a huge Caribbean party at Europe's biggest street festival: Notting Hill Carnival.
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Join London’s biggest street party, as the streets of west London are filled with Caribbean colours, music and flavours during Notting Hill Carnival.
Watch elaborate floats and 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.
What is Notting Hill Carnival?
Women play the drums in the streets of west London during Notting Hill Carnival.
Notting Hill Carnival was first held in 1966. It celebrates the rich history of Caribbean culture in London.
The first Notting Hill Carnival attracted around 500 people. The carnival has since grown to become the largest street festival in Europe, attracting hundreds of thousands to London. You can usually expect to see some 50,000 performers in the parade and more than 30 sound systems, with more than one million people attending over the weekend.
If you're planning to go to the carnival, find where to stay near the celebrations, check out Caribbean restaurants to refuel at afterwards and download the Visit London app for more information.
Celebrate the capital's Black history year-round at the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton and during Black History Month in London.
Get the scoop on the best things to do in Notting Hill all year round.
When does it take place?
Notting Hill Carnival takes place on the last weekend of August, including the summer bank holiday (public holiday) Monday.
Here's just some of the exciting line-up for this years carnival:
Top bands compete in the UK's biggest steel pan competition at Panorama in Emslie Horniman Pleasance Park.
The next generation take up the carnival baton at the joyful Children’s Parade on Sunday.
Colourful and exuberant festivities as part of the Traditional Parade featuring mas, soca, calypso and more.
A unique party vibe created by the more than 30 static Sound Systems playing everything from samba to hip-hop.
Delicious food and drink from around the world across more than 300 stalls, including Jamaican jerk chicken, Trinidadian roti and Guyanese pepper pot.
