Click Guardian Tracking
Enquire Now

A full guide to Notting Hill Carnival 2017

Published 19th Jul 2017
If you’re heading to Notting Hill Carnival this year, be sure to check out our Notting Hill Carnival guide. We have tried to cram all the relevant information and stuff you need to know about the event including entertainment for the kids.

Every August Bank Holiday weekend the streets of West London come alive with a huge Caribbean party. Come join London’s biggest street party and Europe’s biggest street festival. Expect a lot of Caribbean colours, music, flavours and fun!

About


It’s that special time of the year when West London sips coconut water, eats jerk chicken and dances all day long to Caribbean tunes. Welcome to arguably the world’s best street party! The event is always a vivid spectacle representing London’s multicultural past and present. It is an important date in any party-lover’s diary, attracting around one million people annually. Groups of musicians and dancers play on stages and did I mention there are going to be steel drums playing!?

When is Notting Hill Carnival 2017?


The annual event was first held in 1966. The Carnival will be taking place on the 26th, 27th and 28th August.

Where does the Carnival Take Place?


On the streets of W10: The parade moves through the Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove and WestbournePark areas.

What occurs there?


There’s live music from traditional Caribbean bands, DJs, Colourful Street parades, dancing, costumes (lots of them!), food and drink, after parties and much more.

Do I have to pay?


It’s all free!

What happens on the Sunday?


Sunday is ‘Family Day’– a more relaxed start before the main party parade on Monday. On Sunday you will be able to witness the J'ouvert procession, a traditional Caribbean event where revellers throw colourful powder paint at each other. There’s a specific colourful parade for children and where young performers will be dancing.

What happens on Monday?


Monday is the big one! It’s the main parade where more than 60 bands, 38 sound systems and countless dancers flood W10.

What can I eat there?


There will be delicious food and drink stalls in the area. Numerous food stalls will be selling traditional Caribbean food of course but there are other options, including BBQ, and veggie food.

Can I still party once the Carnival is finished?


There are lots of great after-parties on Sunday and Monday. You can use websites like Skiddle to find the perfect after-party for you and your mates.

How to get to Notting Hill Carnival


If there is a group of you going then let SMC Coach Hire take you there and back. Regardless of where you’re travelling from anywhere in London or even anywhere in the UK, we can arrange your travel. We can arrange to pick you up and drop you off at any time you would like.

Yearly the area is extremely busy but one of our drivers can make the journey for you and your party much easier and more enjoyable. Depending on your group size, we have different sized minibuses and coaches.

If you want to book any travel than fill in an online enquiry form. Remember not to forget to wear your most fabulous attire!