Notting Hill Carnival dancers in colorful costumes
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Notting Hill Carnival 2025: London Festival Guide

December 30, 20246 min read

Dance through Europe's largest street festival at Notting Hill Carnival with Caribbean music, costumes, and culture.

Notting Hill Carnival: Caribbean Spirit in London

Notting Hill Carnival is Europe's largest street festival, celebrating Caribbean culture in West London. Over two million people attend this vibrant celebration.

Notting Hill Carnival 2025

  • Dates: August 24-25, 2025 (Bank Holiday weekend)
  • Location: Notting Hill, West London
  • Sunday: Family Day / Monday: Main Parade
  • History

    Started in 1966 by the Caribbean community, the carnival has grown from a small gathering to a massive cultural celebration of Afro-Caribbean heritage.

    What to Expect

    The Parade

  • Elaborate costumes with feathers and sequins
  • Steel bands and sound systems
  • Floats and dancing troupes
  • Calypso, soca, and reggae music
  • Sound Systems

    Static systems blast music throughout the area:

  • Channel One
  • Rampage
  • Disya Jeneration
  • Norman Jay's Good Times
  • Caribbean Food

  • Jerk chicken and pork
  • Curry goat and rice
  • Fried plantains
  • Ackee and saltfish
  • Rum punch and coconut water
  • Tips for Visitors

  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • Bring cash (many vendors don't take cards)
  • Stay hydrated
  • Check TfL for transport updates
  • Go early to avoid crowds
  • Respect local residents
  • Costume Bands

    Join a mas band to participate:

  • Register months in advance
  • Costumes cost £200-600+
  • Experience the parade from inside
  • Celebrate Caribbean culture with VIPCalendar!

    Tags

    #Notting Hill#Carnival#London#August#Caribbean

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