Everything You Need To Know About The Notting Hill Carnival
Photo by Andrew Porter via the Londonist Flickr pool.
Journalist (and drummer) Carinya Sharples has danced her way through many Notting Hill Carnivals over the years.
Here's her expert guide to getting the most out of this unique London event.
What is the Notting Hill Carnival?
Only the biggest street festival in Europe! Taking place every August bank holiday weekend, Notting Hill Carnival is essentially a free, two-day party on the streets of west London.
Photo by Pallab Seth via the Londonist Flickr pool.
The main attraction is the parade, full of community groups wearing weird and wonderful costumes, dancing to energetic Caribbean music (especially steel pans and Soca) and drumming up a storm.
Drummers in the rain. Photo by Palab Seth via the Londonist Flickr pool.
Saying that, some people skip the parade entirely and go purely to party in the side streets, where DJs set up epic sound systems, blasting out everything from reggae and dancehall, to funk and dance music; enterprising cooks serve Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken and rice; and the beer flows freely.
How long has the Notting Hill Carnival been running?
The date of the first Notting Hill Carnival is debatable, with some people saying it began in 1964 and others insisting on 1966 (which would make this year the carnival's Golden Jubilee – or 50th birthday).
Photo by Pallab Seth via the Londonist Flickr pool.
Either way, few would dispute the vital input of Claudia Jones, the Trinidad-born founder of The West Indian Gazette and the so-called 'mother of Notting Hill Carnival'.
In 1959, Jones started an indoor Caribbean-inspired carnival to raise spirits in the wake of racist attacks against West Indian Londoners.
And in the end, the date doesn't really matter: Notting Hill Carnival is still here and as popular as ever – and that's something worth celebrating.
Who participates in the Notting Hill Carnival?
Dancers, steel-pan drummers, float drivers, stewards, adults, teenagers, small children… all sorts of people work tirelessly throughout the year to make Notting Hill Carnival happen.
Photo by Pallab Seth via the Londonist Flickr pool.
The event's West Indian roots are still very much evident in the music, masquerade costumes and Caribbean flags on display, but there are other cultural influences to be seen too, including a number of Brazilian-style 'blocos' (big groups of drummers and dancers) playing samba, samba reggae and maracatu.
In terms of spectators – everyone is welcome, and you're positively encouraged to dress up and get into the carnival vibe!
When is Notting Hill Carnival in 2016?
The actual parade happens on August Bank Holiday weekend; that's Sunday 28 and Monday 29 August — starting from around 10am until 8.30pm.
Though some revellers arrive as early as 6am to throw paint, powder — and even chocolate — at each other as part of the playful Jouvert tradition.
Chocoholics at Carnival. Photo by Cris Rose via the Londonist Flickr pool.
Sunday is Children's Day, when the kids come out to parade, so there's a bit more of a family vibe – but there's not that much to distinguish the two days otherwise.
Photo by John H W Barber via the Londonist Flickr pool.
And don't forget, carnival actually kicks off on the Saturday night (27 August) with the lively Panorama steel-pan competition.
Many people don't know about this event, but it's well worth a visit to see the UK's top steel bands in action.
Where does the Notting Hill Carnival route go?
The Notting Hill Carnival parade winds its way through the streets of west London, around Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Grove, Westbourne Park and Kensal Road.
Your best bet? Follow the signs, crowds and noise — and look out for route maps online.
Do I need tickets for the Notting Hill Carnival?
No, you don't need tickets. Notting Hill Carnival is completely free.
Mikey Dread at the Notting Hill Carnival in 2009. Photo by Pryere via the Londonist Flickr pool.
The only thing you might need tickets for is if you’re going to a private sound system, such as Norman Jay's legendary annual DJ set.
How do I get to Notting Hill Carnival?
Public transport. Don’t even try driving. A lot of roads are blocked off and parking is a nightmare. So bring your Oyster and hop on the bus or tube.
Photo by Sloetry in the Londonist Flickr pool.
Remember, though: some stations are closed or 'exit only' over the carnival weekend so it's important to check your travel plans on the TfL website in advance.
On the day, the police are on hand to give out free local maps and direct you if you're lost or need to re-route around a blocked-off road.
Where's the best place to watch the Notting Hill Carnival?
When Notting Hill Carnival arrives, people who live in this part of London suddenly become very popular — especially those with balconies and large windows offering a bird's-eye view over proceedings (and handy access to a fridge and toilet).
Enjoying the Carnival from above. Photo by Kalexander2010 in the Londonist Flickr pool.
But actually, you can't beat being down on street level right in the middle of the action.
If you want to watch the floats go past, just take up a position on the main parade.
The route is really long so you're sure to find a free spot along the barriers — some areas are more congested than others, so just keep walking till you find a quieter patch.
Can I take my kids to Notting Hill Carnival?
Of course! Children love the colourful costumes, music and party atmosphere.
Photo by Chris Marchant in the Londonist Flickr pool.
Just remember it can be hard to get pushchairs through a crowded, littered street — so you might want to leave it at home and bring a sling.
Stick to the daytime (especially the children's day on Sunday) as things tend to get more boisterous after sunset; bring protection from the sun and rain; and make sure your little ones know what to do if they accidentally get parted from you or wander off to join the parade.
What do I need to do to stay safe at Notting Hill Carnival?
Despite the routine warnings and dire media predictions before the event, Notting Hill Carnival is actually very safe and trouble-free for an event so large and alcohol fuelled.
Just stay alert to any potential trouble. Don't carry expensive gadgets you don't want to get stolen/broken/covered in beer; make sure you know how you're getting home; wear sturdy, covered shoes (or at least watch out for rubbish and broken glass); carry hand sanitizer and loo roll if you're a portable loo clean freak; and be prepared for rain or shine with sun cream, sunglasses and maybe a plastic poncho.
Notting Hill Carnival. Photo by Simone Merli via the Londonist Flickr pool.
There are also always hundreds, if not thousands, of police along the route, so if you're feeling unsafe or are lost, the nearest bobby won't be far away.
Get in the vibe, let your hair down and, if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, just move on. You'll have the time of your life!
Notting Hill Carnival, 28-29 August 2016. Visit thenottinghillcarnival.com to find out more.
Replies