Notting Hill Carnival
From 26 August 2017 to 28 August 2017
Join London’s biggest street party as the Notting Hill Carnival fills the streets of West London with Caribbean colours, music and flavours.
Watch elaborate floats and colourful 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.
If you’re new to the carnival, take a look at our 10 Tips for Notting Hill Carnival to find out how to make the most of your day.
When is Notting Hill Carnival?
Notting Hill Carnival takes place every year on the last weekend of August and the summer bank holiday (public holiday) Monday.
In 2017, the carnival is taking place on 26, 27 and 28 August. Check back closer to the time for the confirmed 2017 programme to see what time the festival starts and what’s on each day.
Notting Hill Carnival 2017 Programme
The festival usually kicks off on the Saturday evening with Panorama, featuring music from steel bands and more outdoor entertainment for all the family. The traditional Caribbean carnival opening Jouvert takes place on Sunday morning, followed by the Family Day or Sunday Parade in the afternoon, with young performers dancing and swirling through the streets to show off their elaborate costumes. The Grand Finale fills the streets with steel bands, mobile sound systems, dancers and performers every year on the Monday.
Delicious food and drinks are available from the many food stalls in the area on both Sunday and Monday, and there’s more music and stage shows to be enjoyed from the many static sound systems along the route and down side streets.
Full details of the 2017 Notting Hill Carnival are yet to be announced, so check back nearer the time for the confirmed programme of events.
Where does the Carnival Take Place?
The carnival takes place on the streets of London W10 and W11, usually around Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Grove, Westbourne Park and Kensal Road.
How to Get to Notting Hill Carnival?
With many road closures taking place during the festival, 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 will be closed or subject to disruption. Extra buses will be put on during the carnival weekend, but buses will be diverted away from the carnival route.
Check the Transport for London website before you travel for the latest Notting Hill Carnival transport information.
What is Notting Hill Carnival?
The Notting Hill Carnival was first held in 1966 as an offshoot of the Trinidad Carnival, celebrating Caribbean culture and traditions in London.
When the Notting Hill Carnival first started, around 500 people attended the Caribbean festival. The carnival has since become the largest street festival in Europe, attracting hundreds of thousands to London, and continues to grow in popularity. Expect to see some 50,000 performers in the parade and more than 30 sound systems, with more than 1 million people attending over the carnival weekend.
Read more at VisitLondon.com
