London Notting Hill Carnival

(Source: Notting Hill Carnival Ltd)

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 the 10 tips for Notting Hill Carnival to find out how to make the most of your day.

(Source: Notting Hill Carnival Ltd)

When is Notting Hill Carnival?

Notting Hill Carnival happens every year on the last weekend of August, including the summer bank holiday (public holiday) Monday.

In 2018, the carnival takes place on 25, 26 and 27 August. Take a look at the programme below to see what time the festival starts and what's on each day.

(Source: Notting Hill Carnival Ltd)

Notting Hill Carnival 2018 programme

Panorama – Saturday 25 August

The festival kicks off on Saturday evening with a steel band music competition, Caribbean-themed outdoor entertainment and street food during Panorama. Entry is free and the event takes place between 6pm and 10pm at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park (Bosworth Road W10).

J’Ouvert and Children’s Day – Sunday 26 August

Get up early on the Sunday morning to experience the traditional Caribbean carnival opening J’Ouvert. Join the parade or watch on as revellers march through the streets covered in mud and colourful paint between 6am and 9am. The procession starts and ends at Canal Way (Ladbroke Grove W10).

Children's Day (Sunday Parade) takes over during the day and evening. See young performers dancing and swirling through the streets to show off their elaborate costumes in the Children’s Day Parade; hear live music at dedicated stages in Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance park and Powis Square, and make sure to enjoy the 38 static sound systems, delicious food stalls and family activities.

Grand Finale – Monday 27 August

See colourful dancers, performers, steel bands and mobile sound systems fill the streets of Notting Hill for the Grand Finale (Monday Parade). Plus, tuck into delicious treats from the many food stalls in the area, and enjoy even more entertainment at the 38 static sound systems along the route and live stages in Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance park and Powis Square.

Date: From 25 August 2018 to 27 August 2018

Location: 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