Notting Hill Carnival, London 2024, UK
August 24 - August 26
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The August Bank Holiday weekend can really only mean one thing in London – the Notting Hill Carnival. The largest free street festival in Europe runs from the Saturday to Monday of the long weekend.
The highlight of the carnival is the main parade which brings festivities to a conclusion on the Bank Holiday Monday. In 2024 this will be on 26 August. Saturday sees the Panorama, while Sunday is family day.
The main highlight of London’s summer festival season, this is a unmissable event for Londoners and visitors to London alike.
The community-lead Carnival celebrates the multicultural heritage of London, especially its Caribbean culture, and the Windrush generation. Expect steel and samba bands, live music stages, great food and plenty of colour.
Two million people are expected to descend upon the streets of west London – only the Rio Carnival draws a bigger crowd.
Where is the Carnival?
It revolves around the W10 postcode region of west London from Notting Hill to Ladbroke Grove and Wesbourne Park. The parade starts on Great Western Road, passes along Chepstow Road before going to Westbourne Grove and Ladbroke Grove. The nearest tube stations are Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park. However check up with delays and closures with TfL before setting off.
Carnival Live Stages
Traditionally there are three stages to the London Carnival: Horniman’s Stage, Powis Square Stage, and Meanwhile Gardens.
Notting Hill Carnival History
Rhaune Laslett, a social worker from Notting Hill, started the first carnival in 1966. Read more about the story of Carnival here.
Not in London, here is a round-up of some of the best carnivals around the world.
Images of Previous Carnivals
Notting Hill Carnival Dates 2024
It is easy to remember when the carnival takes place – it’s the weekend of the August Bank Holiday. In 2024 this falls over 24 to 26 August, with the Parade on the Monday.
Notting Hill Carnival Route
Here is a hand map of the route.
Mas Bands, Steel Bands and Brazilian Bands
Click for details of Mas Bands, Steel Bands and Brazilian bands performing at the 2024 Carnival.
Further information on the Carnival
To keep up to date with what is scheduled for the Carnival, click here. Photos: Notting Hill Carnival Trust, c. Niall Green.
