The Notting Hill Carnival is all set to hit the streets of west London this August Bank Holiday weekend, falling on 28th and 29th August. The carnival is an amazing free event with one million visitors expected to descend here to enjoy the celebrations of Caribbean music, food, drink and culture.
The carnival known to be Europe’s biggest street party, has been running since 1966 every year in summer, providing social solidarity and an amazing array of colourful sights and sounds featuring Afro-Caribbean traditions, steel bands, amazing food, flamboyant dresses and family-friendly entertainment. The 2-day festival features live music from salsa and Calypso to reggae and dub.
The fabulous free open-air event for the whole family, kicks-off with the Panorama on Saturday night, a great Caribbean style evening (from 6mpm to 10pm), a great atmosphere and live music. The first parade of the carnival is on Sunday, the Jouvert, from 6am, beginning and ending at the Canal Way in Ladbroke Grove at around 9am. It’s a family-friendly day. There’s a Children’s Parade too.
The carnival bands and floats start off st 9am on both Sunday and Monday mornings, until about 7pm. The main parade is on Monday with the floats in procession in the evening, with festivities and after-parties to follow. Monday will see 60 bands in vibrant costume dance with tantalising rhythm on mobile sound systems.
This is a street festival and a free event, where everyone can enjoy the entertainment, but have to buy the food and drinks. The entire programme is on the official website (www.thelondonnottinghillcarnival.com) and the Notting Hill Carnival app too can help you.
