Notting Hill Carnival is, without a doubt, London’s boldest and brightest street party! A dazzling explosion of Caribbean heritage, creative flair, and pure community joy. It’s joyful, it’s colourful, and yes, it’s a big, bustling street party… but that’s exactly what makes it so special. And that’s why I love it.

This year, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON takes you straight into the heart of Notting Hill Carnival 2025, with everything you need to soak up the music, the parades, and the unforgettable atmosphere.

The story behind Notting Hill Carnival

Notting Hill Carnival has its roots in the 1960s, born from the vibrant Caribbean communities in London who wanted to celebrate their culture and stand up against racial tension.

What started as a small indoor festival quickly spilled into the streets, evolving into Europe’s largest street party, with dazzling parades, pulsating steelbands, and colourful costumes.

While it shares the same infectious energy as Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival, Notting Hill’s scale is smaller and more intimate, giving it a unique, community-driven charm.

Think Rio’s grandeur, but with London’s eclectic street vibe and that unmistakable British sense of fun!

Carnival kick-off: panorama & family fun

Every August Bank Holiday weekend, Notting Hill Carnival turns West London into a kaleidoscope of music, colour, and uncontainable joy!

If you’re spending the Bank Holiday in London, there’s no better excuse to dive into the city’s biggest street celebration!

Saturday (23 August) shines a light on the UK Panorama Steel Band Competition at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park. From 4pm, the gates swing open to unveil Junior Panorama at 5pm, leading up to the main event at 8 pm, a steelpan showdown that’ll have your soul vibratin’ long after the last note!

Sunday (24 August) is for families and pint-sized partygoers, starting with J’ouvert (mud, paint, mischief from 6–9 am), then the Opening Ceremony at 10 am, and finally the Children’s Parade and Dutty/Fun Mas, a joyful burst of colourful chaos.

Monday madness: parade, sound systems & soul

By Monday (25 August), it’s adults’ turn to take centre stage. The Adults’ Parade kicks off at 10:30am, and whether you’ve snagged a costume or just a good pair of comfy shoes beneath your own clothes, everyone’s invited to join the fray. 

If you would prefer to enjoy the atmosphere at a more relaxed pace, head to the Sound Systems. These static stages, a defining feature of the Carnival since 1973, showcase an eclectic mix of music, from reggae and rare groove to samba and house, between 12 pm and 7 pm.

For me, Monday is the peak of the weekend, a full-on dance party that always lifts my spirits. If happiness had a soundtrack, this would be it.

If you really want to soak up the vibes, head straight for the Carnival heartlands. Streets like Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Park, and Notting Hill Gate are buzzing with music, costumes, and parades.

Sound system fans should check out Colville Square and Kensal Road, just follow the bass! If you’d rather take it a bit slower, stroll along the side streets near Westbourne Grove, where you can still enjoy all the colour and energy without getting totally lost in the crowds.

Enjoying the Carnival safely

With over a million revellers filling the streets, Notting Hill Carnival is both spectacular and bustling. Fortunately, a few simple tips are all you need to enjoy the festivities with ease:

• Dress appropriately for the weather: choose comfortable shoes and wear practical layers rather than flashy outfits. Comfort and functionality always take priority!

• Bring only the essentials: essentials like water (particularly on hot days), wet wipes, and hand sanitizer are both practical and indispensable for a comfortable day at the Carnival.

• Keep track of children: take a quick photo before the festivities begin and write your contact number on your child’s arm (covered with waterproof plaster). That way, if anyone does get briefly separated (hopefully not) you’ll have a simple way to reunite quickly.

• Plan your transport carefully, as many roads close for the parade: public transport is the safest and most efficient way to get around the Carnival. I personally always take the Tube, starting from Notting Hill Gate or Ladbroke Grove stations. It’s stress-free and keeps you close to the action.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this personal glimpse into the incredible Notting Hill Carnival! And if you can’t make it this year, don’t worry, it comes around every August, so there’s always next time to join the fun!

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To go further:

Notting Hill Carnival website here.

Check out my other Iconic London recommendations here.