Carnival Fever: Notting Hill 2024

With costumes promising to be bigger and better than ever, the carnival is on course to be one of the best we’ve ever seen and it’ll be an experience for everyone, whether you’ve been before or not. We have everything you need to know about the carnival including how to get there, where the action will be happening and how the whole family can enjoy the carnival. 

History of the Carnival

The carnival has roots in racial tension, death and defiance in the face of adversity. In a bid to ease racial tension within the Notting Hill community after Kelso Cochrane was killed in 1959, a children’s street fayre was organised to bring everyone back together. Raune Laslett organised it saying, “We felt that although West Indians, Africans, Irish and many other nationalities all live in a very congested area, there is very little communication between us. If we can infect them with a desire to participate, then this can only have good results.” 

This children’s street fayre slowly morphed into the amazing carnival that we see today. 

Now, the carnival is still very much community-led, with more and more community projects, bands and volunteers getting involved. It is thought to be the largest street event in Europe which is a fantastic achievement for all involved. 

The live stages have seen the likes of Jay-Z, Lil’ Kim and Busta Rhymes performing in the ‘90s, with more recent artists like Stormzy, Craig David and Wiley headlining. The carnival continues to grow and the community is looking forward to the future of the carnival. 

Travelling to and from the parade

We’re located conveniently near Pimlico tube station so getting the tube will be ideal, you should be able to get to Notting Hill Gate, Bayswater or Queensway so you’re not caught up in the crowds straight away. These stations are a short walk away from the parade. 

Keep an eye on the Transport for London (TfL) website for updates and our colleagues will be on hand to help with any public transport queries if you need guidance. 

What’s on Saturday 

On Saturday, head down to Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park, W10 3DH to watch the UK National Panorama Steel Band Competition which starts at 4 pm. The 5 bands participating will play a ten-minute composition from memory. 

Grab some of the delicious Caribbean street food on offer and watch the bands as the sun sets around you. It’s a great introduction to pan steel bands if you’re unfamiliar with them and there’ll be an incredible atmosphere with plenty of food, dancing and, of course, music. 

What’s on Sunday

If you’ve never been to the carnival before, Sunday is the perfect day to go and see what it’s all about before the big parade on Monday. 

Starting at 6 am (no, that is not a typo, it’s Caribbean tradition to launch the carnival before sunrise), the hardcore revellers fill the Notting Hill streets to celebrate the opening of the carnival. There’ll be lots of paints, powders, music and high energy. 

The carnival officially opens at 10 am by residents and some of the participants followed by the children’s parade. This includes children’s masquerade bands (mas) and it’s such a great moment where we get to see the next generation of carnival participants as they dance down the streets in their costumes. There will also be a lot of family-friendly events and activities so stick around to keep the younger ones entertained. 

Once the children have moved down the parade route, it’s time for the fun mas parade – also known as “dutty” – this is for those who enjoy the chaos of the carnival, be prepared to be covered in coloured paints and powder! The energy is infectious and you won’t be able to stop yourself from joining in and enjoying the party. 

If you need to get off the streets, head to the Sound Systems. These are usually a couple of areas where the party continues in a more controlled way. There are two sound systems this year, one at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park and the other at Powis Square (W11 2AY). Both will play a range of Reggae, Rare Groove, House and Samba music, go down between 12 pm and 7 pm to get into that carnival spirit.

What’s on Monday

It’s the big day! Monday showcases the Adult’s Parade; believe us, this is not to be missed. The party gets even more intense and the atmosphere builds into an almighty crescendo. It’s all about the music and the costumes, the mas bands do an amazing job of getting everyone ready but if you haven’t bought a mas band costume, feel free to wear your own and join in! No one is out of place during the carnival; the more outrageous, the better. 

As the floats pass by, dance, get a whistle, cowbells, horns whatever you can to make a noise, dance and make the most of this extraordinary carnival. 

The sound stages are still on at the same places as Sunday between 12 pm and 7 pm, so if it gets a bit much, head over there to keep the party going. 

To keep updated on the latest news, tickets, costumes and volunteering opportunities, head over to the official Notting Hill Carnival website and you’ll be able to find all the information you need. 

Book your stay at The Belgrave

See this carnival in all its glory and be close enough to travel there and back as often as you want. It’s going to be a magical bank holiday weekend, so don’t miss out!