The vibrant and iconic Notting Hill Carnival makes its much-anticipated return to West London this August bank holiday, marking its 56th year of celebrating Caribbean culture and heritage.
As one of the world’s longest-running street parties and the largest in Europe, the carnival will draw over two million attendees, including thousands of tourists, all eager to witness the three-mile (5km) parade of colour, music, and dance.
Event Highlights and Schedule
Saturday, 24 August: The carnival weekend kicks off with Panorama, the UK’s premier steel pan competition, at Emslie Horniman Pleasance Park. From 16:00 to 23:00 BST, the park will come alive with the sounds of steel bands, including defending champions Ebony Steelband, alongside Croydon Steel Orchestra, Mangrove Steelband, Metronomes Steel Orchestra, and Real Steel.
Sunday, 25 August: While the traditional early-morning J’Ouvert paint party is absent this year, the carnival spirit will be in full swing as the J’Ouvert bands bring their vibrancy to the main parade later in the day. The festivities officially begin at 10:00 with the opening ceremony at the Mas Judging Point on Great Western Road. Sunday is dedicated to family-friendly activities, highlighted by the Children’s Day Parade and the lively “Dutty” fun mas parade, where participants and spectators alike get playful with splashes of paint, powder, and chocolate. From 12:00 to 19:00, sound systems will offer an eclectic mix of music genres, while live performances at the Red Bull Selector stage and Powis Square Stage will keep the energy high.
Monday, 26 August: The carnival’s grand finale, the Adult’s Parade, is the event’s crowning moment. This is the time to see the most extravagant costumes, and energetic dances, and hear the infectious sounds of the Caribbean. As with Sunday, sound systems and live stages, including the Strawberries & Creem Stage at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park and Powis Square Stage, will run from 12:00 to 19:00, ensuring the celebrations continue until the very end.
Navigating Notting Hill Carnival 2024
With road closures across the area, access by taxi or bus will be restricted, so attendees should plan ahead. Nearby Tube stations, including Notting Hill Gate, will have limited access, operating as exit-only or being closed during peak times. Arriving before 11:00 is recommended to avoid last-minute closures. Some stations might reopen after 15:00 or 18:00, but you may need to walk up to 30 minutes to find an open station. There will be no interchange between the Circle, District, and Central lines on both days.
Safety Tips and Accessibility
The Notting Hill Carnival is free to attend, but with massive crowds expected, police will be on hand to manage safety, potentially restricting access to certain areas. Visitors with mobility issues or those uncomfortable with large crowds are advised to arrive and depart early. For additional security, there will be a designated safe area for women and girls, managed by the Met and the charity Safer Spaces.
Attendees are encouraged to set a meeting point with their group in case of separation, keep a close watch on personal belongings, and plan their journey in advance. Transport for London (TfL) provides a dedicated website offering the best routes and travel options to and from the event.
