Your Guide to the Notting Hill Carnival 2023
Sun, sound-systems, and some seriously good jerk. Ask almost any Londoner about the Notting Hill Carnival, and they’ll tell you it’s an unmissable riot for the senses – and a wonderful celebration of the UK’s Caribbean community. Taking place across the Summer Bank Holiday, the last weekend of August, the Carnival is the UK’s biggest street party. One that transforms the West London neighbourhoods of Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park into a buzzing festival: alive with the colours, sounds, and flavours of the Caribbean. And, it’s absolutely free.
First held in 1966, the Carnival is principally known for its parades and music. You can expect to see a staggering 50,000 performers in the parade (more on this later), and you’ll have your pick of over 30 pumping sound systems.
You’ll no doubt want to take in as much as you can of the Carnival. So, it’s worth planning your day. We recommend taking a look at the Notting Hill Carnival map. And, if you’re going with friends or family, it’s also worth arranging a meeting point prior to arriving at the festival – that way, you won’t lose each other, or have to spend the day battling through crowds trying to find one another (not ideal, trust us). Lastly, if the sun is out, make sure to stay hydrated, and wear suncream.
But enough of the practicalities, let’s dive a little deeper into the Notting Hill Carnival story, and the origins of this wonderful annual event.
WorldRemit Content Team
• 4 mins read • Updated
The history of Notting Hill Carnival
The first ever Notting Hill Carnival in 1966 attracted 500 people. The very existence of the event is testament to the hard work of several key players within the Notting Hill community at the time. Particularly Claudia Jones, founder of the West Indian Gazette, and Rhaune Laslett, a local resident and community activist.
Ultimately, the Carnival was borne out of a desire to ease racial tensions – to celebrate similarities between peoples, not differences – after the tragic, racially-motivated murder of Kelso Cochrane, a 32-year-old carpenter from Antigua, on 17th May 1959. Following this tragedy, racial activism in the UK stepped up dramatically, and over 1,200 individuals attended the funeral, in solidarity and defiance of racism.
Not long afterwards, Rhaune Laslett hosted a fair in Notting Hill, to bring together the different ethnic groups living in the area. Soon after this, Claudia Jones hosted what is often recognised as the precursor to the Notting Hill Carnival, the ‘Caribbean Carnival’. Which took place in 1959, in St. Pancras Town Hall, and was even broadcast by the BBC. More fairs and parties followed, with Rhaune and Claudia inviting renowned Caribbean musicians to come and play – such as steel pan player Russ Henderson. And then, a few years later, the Notting Hill Carnival was officially born.
So, what can you expect from the Carnival today?
What is Notting Hill Carnival known for?
By now, you may be feeling ready to party. So, in this section, we’ll look a little more closely at the Carnival’s famous parades; its masquerade bands, and its wide range of musical offerings.
The Carnival parades
There are two parades across the Notting Hill Carnival weekend: the children’s or family day parade on the Sunday, and the adult’s parade on the Monday. The children’s parade begins after the Carnival’s official opening ceremony, which takes place at 10:00 on the Great Western Road, near Westbourne Park tube station. Both parades follow the same route: winding down Westbourne Park Road toward Chepstow Road, Westbourne Grove, then turning toward Ladbroke Grove and looping back via Kensal Road.
The adult parade is made up of different masquerade (or mas) bands – usually hailing from different areas or communities – each with its own distinctly colourful and exotic livery. There’s even a competition for the best mas bands, with the results announced on social media. The parade also features soca and calypso outfits and bands – two vibrant and rhythmic genres of music synonymous with Caribbean culture.
Want to get in on the act? You can join a mas band, don the group’s outfit, and partake in the parade. There are plenty of bands to choose from, and you can find a full listing here.
The sounds of Notting Hill Carnival
The carnival really brings the bass, and the unique party atmosphere is created by over 30 static sound systems. The sound systems are dotted throughout the area (again, it’s worth looking at the Carnival map), and you can expect everything from samba to hip-hop to reggaeton – from midday all the way to 19:00. After that, if you want to continue the party, there are plenty of afterparties in nearby bars and clubs to choose from. Bigger venues across London: the likes of KOKO and Lit also host ticketed afterparties – but hurry, tickets go fast.
If you want to hear some authentic steel pans, the UK’s biggest steel pan competition is held on Saturday, the day before the Carnival officially begins, in Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park.
Food at the Notting Hill Carnival
So many delicious dishes, such little time. With over 250 pop-up food and drink vendors setting up shop at Carnival, you’d be forgiven for having eyes bigger than your stomach. In our opinion, there’s no better place in London to savour the flavours of authentic Jamaican jerk chicken. We also recommend trying some Trinidadian roti wraps, curried goat, Guyanese pepper-pot (stewed beef, pork or mutton spiced with cinnamon) or some saltfish patties. Although perhaps not all at once.
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We hope you have a wonderful time at the Notting Hill Carnival – eat, drink, dance and be merry. And remember, stay hydrated and stay safe. For more articles like this, head over to our blog. You’ll find a selection of pieces put together especially for people living and working abroad.
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