About
Join Europe's biggest street party and experience the energy of London's most celebrated carnival as the streets of west London explode with Caribbean colours, music and flavour during Notting Hill Carnival.
Watch dazzling floats and costumed performers parade through the crowds, dance to the feel-good rhythms of steel bands and calypso music, and follow the scent of sizzling street food from stall to stall.
What is Notting Hill Carnival?
First held in 1966, Notting Hill Carnival has grown from a small community celebration into a vibrant, world-renowned showcase of Caribbean culture in the heart of west London.
The first event drew around 500 people. In 2026, the carnival ranks as Europe's largest street festival, attracting more than two million revellers and featuring 50,000 performers and more than 30 sound systems.
Planning to attend the carnival? Book a stay nearby, discover Caribbean restaurants to keep you refuelled, and download the Visit London app for exclusive offers and on-the-go tips.
Celebrate Black history year-round at the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, and explore the top events across the capital during Black History Month in October.
When is Notting Hill Carnival 2026?
Notting Hill Carnival takes place over the penultimate weekend of August (29 to 31 August), which includes the summer bank holiday.
What is the Notting Hill Carnival 2026 lineup?
- See top bands compete in the UK's largest steel pan competition at Panorama in Emslie Horniman's Pleasance Park on Saturday 29 August (4pm to 11pm).
- The next generation takes up the carnival baton at the joyful Children’s Parade on Sunday 30 August (10am to 7pm).
- Colourful and exuberant festivities take place as part of the Adults' Parade on Monday 31 August (10.30am to 7pm), featuring mas, soca, calypso and more.
- A unique party vibe is created by the more than 30 static sound systems playing everything from samba to hip-hop.
- The two main live music stages are located in Emslie Horniman's Pleasance Park and Powis Square, with top DJs, musicians and surprise guests expected on Sunday and Monday.
- Delicious food and drink from around the world can be found across more than 300 stalls, including Jamaican jerk chicken, Trinidadian roti and Guyanese pepper pot.
- On Sunday and Monday there will be a 72-second silence in honour of the 72 lives lost in Grenfell Tower.
Where can I buy Notting Hill Carnival tickets?
Notting Hill Carnival is a free event to attend, including the main parade and all live street entertainment.
However, the UK National Panorama Steel Band Competition at Emslie Horniman's Pleasance Park requires paid tickets. Adult tickets start from £21.56, and children's tickets cost £7 (for ages five and over).
Notting Hill Carnival London events
Many of London's top venues will be hosting private Notting Hill Carnival parties over the bank holiday weekend. Head to Notting Hill Arts Club for the official afterparty, or venture to LGBTQ+ staple nightclub Heaven for a night of feel-good Afrobeats. You can explore our guide to London's best nightclubs for afterparties at Ministry of Sound and Fire & Lightbox.
Discover more events happening during the August bank holiday weekend.
Where in London is Notting Hill Carnival?
The carnival takes place on the streets of W10 and W11, covering Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Grove, Westbourne Park and Kensal Road.
Where can I find the Notting Hill Carnival route map?
The Notting Hill Carnival route remains the same each year. You can find the official route map on the Notting Hill Carnival website.
How to get to Notting Hill Carnival
With many road closures during the festival, public transport is the most convenient way to travel to Notting Hill Carnival.
If you're planning to visit, allow extra time for your journey as some local Tube stations close or experience disruptions. Additional buses are usually provided over the weekend, but they are often diverted from the carnival route.
The nearest Tube stations to Notting Hill Carnival are Bayswater, High Street Kensington, Paddington, Queen’s Park and Shepherd’s Bush. However, it's worth noting that some stations may be exit-only throughout the weekend. Be sure to check the Transport for London website for up-to-date travel information.
What are the top tips for visiting Notting Hill Carnival?
Notting Hill Carnival is a hugely popular event, so take the usual precautions you would when attending any large-scale gathering such as arranging a meeting point and time in advance if you're going with friends or family. Since it's a hot August weekend, bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen.
Most importantly, embrace the carnival spirit! Join the dancing, explore the many sound systems, feast on delicious Caribbean food, and keep the party going at one of the many afterparties.