Notting Hill Carnival is a major cultural event in London that celebrates Caribbean heritage. It is held every August bank holiday weekend and attracts over two million people. The carnival features a variety of activities, including steel pan music, dancing, food, and a parade. It is a family-friendly event, but it can get crowded, so it is important to arrive early and wear comfortable shoes.

The carnival originated in the 1960s as a way for Caribbean immigrants to celebrate their culture in London. It has since become one of the largest street festivals in Europe. The carnival features a variety of music, including steel pan, soca, and calypso. There are also dance performances, food stalls, and a parade. The parade is the highlight of the carnival and features floats, costumes, and music.

What is Notting Hill Carnival? 

Carnival stands as one of the most enduring street festivals globally, originating from the Caribbean population in London in 1966. It represents a jubilation of both Caribbean heritage and freedom, highlighted by a renowned procession featuring top-notch displays of masquerade, soca, calypso, steel bands, and sound systems.

When is Notting Hill Carnival 2023? 

Once more, the vibrant floats, brilliantly adorned artists, powerful sound systems, the delightful aroma of jerk chicken, and the melodic resonance of steel bands will fill West London during the August Bank Holiday weekend, spanning from Sunday, August 27 to Monday, August 28.

Where is Notting Hill Carnival?

NHC dominates the area of Notting Hill in the western part of London. Disembark at Notting Hill Gate station, Westbourne Park, or Royal Oak, and just follow the masses. You won’t have to wait long before stumbling upon a sound system, a small street celebration, or even the parade itself.

What is the Notting Hill Carnival 2023 line-up?

Every year, surprise guests appear along the parade and sound systems at Carnival, causing excitement among attendees. Sean Paul, koffee, and even Beyoncé have unexpectedly joined in the past. Organizers are known for announcing guests last-minute, adding to the weekend’s element of surprise and enjoyment.

Here’s what we know about the line-up so far:

Saturday, August 26:

• Panorama, the UK’s national steelpan competition, from 4pm to midnight at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park.

Sunday, August 27:

• J’Ouvert, a traditional Caribbean event which marks the beginning of Carnival, from 6am to 9am at Sainsbury’s, Canal Way, Ladbroke Grove, W10 5AA.
• Children’s Parade, a family-friendly morning event where kids dance in the streets in their homemade Carnival costumes, from 10am to 10.30am on Great Western road.
• Traditional Parade, featuring mas, soca, calypso and much more, from 10am to 5pm.
• Soundsystems, where you can dance the day away, from midday to 7pm.
• Food stalls, with hundreds of options to choose from, from midday to 7pm.

Monday, August 28:

• Adult’s day parade, with lots of dancing, parading and partying, from 10.30am to 5pm.

During Carnival on Sunday and Monday, stationary soundsystems will operate from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM at different points along the parade. Specifically on Carnival Monday, the adult parade will take place from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM along the parade route.

What’s in store for Notting Hill Carnival 2023? 

As usual, the parade will commemorate Caribbean heritage and culture, accompanied by pre-event gatherings and post-party celebrations during the August bank holiday weekend. The roster of participants is usually not disclosed beforehand, so simply arrive and engage in a weekend filled with dancing, happiness, and a sense of community.