Notting Hill Carnival

When: 26th to 27th August, 2018
Where: Notting Hill, Europe

Showcasing an amazing array of music, colours and social unity the Notting Hill Carnival is known to be one of the largest street festivals in Europe. Held each year in the month of August the carnival fills the streets of West London with the aroma of sumptuous food, music and vibrant coloured costumes. The Notting Hill Carnival was started by the West Indian community of the Notting Hill area as a local festival and today this festival has turned into a huge Caribbean carnival that attracts millions of visitors all over the world.

The number of people attending this event goes up to 40,000 and it features massive sound systems, hundreds of food stalls and traditional steel drum bands. The 2018 Notting Hill Carnival will organize a steel band competition on Saturday and then Sunday will be the Kid’s Day, when the best costume prize will be awarded. The main parade will take place on Monday (28 August, 2018), that start on Great Western Road and along Chepstow Road, on to Westbourne Grove, and then head to Ladbroke Grove. The parade comes to an end in the evening and then the streets are left for party animals to enjoy themselves.

History

One of the London’s most exciting events, Notting Hill Carnival, was started in the year 1964 by Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures and traditions. The carnival has become an annual event and takes place on every August Bank Holiday weekend.

The smell of sumptuous food and their aromas envelop the whole ambiance of the Notting Hill Carnival. The traditional Caribbean food at the fest includes jerk chicken, rice and peas and rum punch as well as other exotic cuisines. Dig in the carnival delicacies and enjoy the treat-on-street with patties, curries, fried plantain etc.

The following tips will help ensure the Notting Hill Carnival will be a fun filled experience for you and your friends:
• As the carnival begins the streets get really crowded therefore, arrange to meet friends and family before entering the Carnival area. Set up a meeting place in case your group gets seperated
• Don’t try to walk forcefully in the opposite direction once in the carnival, go with the flow of the crowd
• Be aware of pickpockets
• Avoid bringing valuables and wearing expensive jewellery
• To avoid congestion, arrive and leave early
• Drink plenty of water and usea disposable camera if possible

It is advisable to use public transport to get to the Notting Hill Carnival in London. Be aware that for safety reasons some stations may close temporarily if they become overcrowded. It is advised to wait until the station reopens rather than finding an alternative station.
By Bus
The London buses will operate additional buses to serve the Carnival. To the south of the Carnival area buses will start from Notting Hill Gate and to the North of the Carnival area buses will start from the Prince of Wales in Harrow Road. You can avail the full details of the bus route and changes in the schedule in a leaflet available at London Underground Stations.