Notting Hill is a vibrant and trendy area in west London, famous for its Portobello Road Market and Notting Hill Carnival.

Notting Hill Carnival is an event of joy and pleasure celebrating rich Caribbean culture.

The carnival is the world’s second-biggest carnival and the third-largest street festival in Europe.

1. History of Notting Hill Carnival

Notting Hill Carnival has been a part of street culture in  Kennington since 1966. It’s an event of joy and a colourful celebration of the Carribean Culture.

It all started in 1956 when Claudia Jones, a Trinidadian human rights activist, organized this event in St Pancras Townhall to celebrate Caribbean culture and alleviate racial issues to maintain harmony among clans.

Another reason was the death of Kelso Cochrane, a racially oppressed lawyer who was killed for a particular racial agenda. All these events threads create a strong fabric of the local culture of rage and outbursts.

The first outdoor event and formal meeting point and the start of this carnival took place in 1966, and since then, it has never stopped.

2. The Carnival Weekend

Notting Hill Carnival is an annual event that is featured for two days. Sundays are usually family days, and the traditional celebration of J’ouvert takes place.

It is also the official opening ceremony of the carnival, followed by the Children’s Day Parade.

Monday, on the other hand, is for party animals and has a much more chilled experience. Monday has an adult’s day traditional parade, which runs till dark.

3. Parade Route of the Carnival

The parade is the soul of this beautiful event. It starts at 10 am and wraps up by 6:30 as London observes a strict noise curfew by 7 pm.

The main parade course covers around four miles and continues along Chepstow Road after initiating from Great Western Road, and ends at Ladbroke Grove after crossing Westbourne Grove.

You will see Mas bands, one of the key features of the carnival, where people are wrapped in opulent and colourful costumes, dancing and performing to the music as they march on the streets.

4. Eateries at the Carnival

Marching this song will surely make you a hungry beast, and the food culture is one of the significant parts to relish. Engage yourself in something authentic Caribbean dishes to satisfy your taste buds.

The Caribbean people cook food with so much patience, making the dishes flavorful and delicious, and this could be your perfect corner for perfect fast food.

You can try something new like jerky chicken, pork and salt fish fritters, curried goat, rice, Jamaican patties, peas, and whatnot!

Plantains are their staple, and they’re served with curry and rice. They also have a caramelized fried banana dish to cherish after your meals. Undoubtedly, it’s a perfect blend of all the savoriness, spices, and sweetness in one plate.

5. How to Reach the Carnival

The carnival route can be covered through public transport. However, one must take care that many road closures can occur due to festivities.

If you have planned to visit the carnival area, extra buses are put by government officials to help the people.

Bayswater, High Street Kensington, Paddington, Queen’s Park, and Shepherd’s Bush are the closest tube stations to the carnival. However, several are exit-only throughout the carnival weekend.

Before heading towards your carnival route destination, one must check the transport for London website.

6. What to Carry at the Carnival

Pack your carnival essentials, as it’s a hot time of the month. Hours of parading will tire you off in this heat.

Carry a reusable water bottle and some energy drinks to sustain. You can also carry some sunscreen, tissues, and wet wipes.

Make sure to carry your cash because ATMs can’t be easily found and will also be filled with people. J’ouvert was a massive part of the festival and was very crowded.

You will indeed be covered in paint and chocolate, as it’s part of the fun. It happens at sunrise and is highly recommended. You’ll find usage of your tissues here.

Lastly, please do not litter around the streets and dispose of your boxes/bags in dustbins.

7. Things You Can do After the Carnival

If you still feel like spending a little more time in the venue after the carnival, we have got you covered because there are many things to check out in Notting Hill.

• You can head to one of the most famous street markets in the globe, Portobello Road market
• The Museum of Brands displays some of the wildest treasures.
• The Ginstitute to taste some fine gin.
• Bayswater is very close to Hyde Park and is a great place to visit.
• Electric Cinema, on the other hand, can provide you with a great movie experience.

• Coronet Theatre serves good drinks and grand piano and has this 80s vibe all around the place.
• St. Sophia’s Cathedral is beautiful beyond words. This church has a calming environment and a sophisticated vibe.

8. Final Note

Join London’s biggest street party, Notting Hill Carnival, and have a gala with friends and family. Pack your bags and carry all the essentials, munch all the yummy delicacies, and unleash that carnival spirit!

Also, don’t forget to visit the official app of Notting Hill Carnival.

Last Updated on July 11, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty