West London prepares to welcome over 50,000 parade performers this weekend as almost two million people descend on the technicolour roads of Notting Hill for London’s largest street party. Notting Hill Carnival is just days away, returning bigger and better than ever for 2024’s exuberant festivities. The community-led celebration of history and Caribbean culture started in 1966 and the iconic parade champions a procession of dancing to soca and calypso music.
Three days of live stages with a lineup of steel and mas bands, elaborate floats and dozens of sound systems greet carnival attendees sparkling in prints, patterns and neon brights. Sunday’s family day draws crowds of excited children while Monday’s adult parade puts on the ultimate show – both events are free to attend. Food stalls pepper the route with offerings of fiercely flavoured Jamaican jerk chicken and Trinidadian roti and pre and post-carnival parties keep the good vibes going well into the night.
Here’s our guide to the Notting Hill festivities including where to go, how to get there and where to stay. Read more on London travel : Notting Hill Carnival 2024 spans the August bank holiday weekend from Saturday 24 to Monday 26 August and most of the celebrations are free for anyone to attend. Saturday is the Panorama Steel band competition, a national contest to crown the best at making the sweet sound of the pan.
From 4-11pm at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park, W10 3DH, tickets £20pp. J’Ouvert �.