Notting Hill Carnival 2018: What days are Notting Hill Carnival this weekend?
THE August bank holiday weekend is approaching, and so is the annual Notting Hill Carnival, with its celebration of Caribbean heritage, dancing, colourful parades and delicious street food. What days are Notting Hill Carnival this weekend?
Notting Hill Carnival-goers party in flamboyant costumes
Once a year the streets of Notting Hill, West London make way for one of the largest street carnivals in the world - the Notting Hill Carnival.
Almost one million people attend the celebration of the Caribbean heritage every year, eager to experience that tropical feeling in a West London Borough.
The carnival is a trademark of London culture and the event is hosting more than 70 masquerade floats.
To enjoy the celebrations people are urged to plan their journey ahead of the event, wear comfortable shoes and bring water, sun screen, and hand sanitiser.
What days are Notting Hill Carnival this weekend and what is happening on the different days?
The 2018 traditional Notting Hill Carnival will begin on Sunday, August 26 and end on Monday, August 27, so if you don’t have any plans this August bank holiday weekend, make your way down to Notting Hill.
Some of the celebrations will begin on Saturday night. New to this year's Carnival is a steel band music competition that will take place on Saturday, 25 August.
There will also be street food and dancing held at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park from 6pm to 10pm.
Tickets cost £5 and can be found HERE.
Sunday, August 26
Sunday is Family Day and is recommended for families with young children to attend this day, as the crowds will be smaller and the floats more children-friendly.
The carnival will begin at 6am with a ‘J’ouvert’, a large street party, which is a tradition in the Caribbean Islands.
The main parade begins 9.30am and starts and ends on Canal Way in Ladbroke Grove.
A children’s parade will stroll through the streets throughout the day and at night children can dance in colourful Caribbean-inspired costumes.
The music will stop at 7.30pm due to a strict noise curfew in the Notting Hill area.
Monday, August 27 - August Bank Holiday
The Grand Finale will be on bank holiday Monday, August 27, and includes Caribbean dancing, reggae, rumba and everything that will make you want to move your feet.
The day is a culmination of street performances, steel drum music, and dancing.
The world-famous street carnival also offers food, drinks, and treats along the carnival route, so make sure to turn up hungry.
It is recommended you plan your journey ahead on the weekend, as public transport will be restricted and heavily congested.
The main parades begin 9.30am both Sunday and Monday and will stay in the area throughout the day if 6am is too early.
The carnival is free on both Sunday and Monday, so no tickets are needed to get in.