The August Bank Holiday weekend can really only mean one thing in London – the Notting Hill Carnival. The largest free street festival in Europe runs from the Saturday to Monday of the long weekend.
The highlight of the main London carnival is the main parade which brings festivities to a conclusion on the Bank Holiday Monday. In 2025 this will be on 25 August. Sunday is traditionally family day.
The main highlight of London’s summer festival season, this is a unmissable event for Londoners and visitors to London alike. If you live in London and are looking for carnivals near me, this is the one for you.
The London carnival is much more than an explosion of music and colour – although there is plenty of that with steel and samba bands, and plenty of live stages. It is also a celebration of the Caribbean culture in the UK capital, particularly the Windrush generation. This is a great example of the multiculturalism of London. It presents a chance for the community to get together and party, and enjoy great live music and street food.
With some two million people descending upon the streets of west London, expected crowds – only the Rio Carnival draws more. Also, make sure you take necessary safety precautions as you would for any major event, especially from pickpockets.
Where is the Carnival?
The London Carnival stretches from Notting Hill to Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park. The nearest tube stations are Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park. We suggest you check TfL for potential delays before setting off on your journey.
Carnival Live Stages
Traditionally there are three stages to the London Carnival: Horniman’s Stage, Powis Square Stage, and Meanwhile Gardens.
Notting Hill Carnival History
The Notting Hill Carnival is the main carnival in London and is rooted in the capital’s Caribbean community – the Windrush Generation. Initially the carnival was held in response to the death of Kelso Cochrane in a racial attack in 1959. Over a thousand people attended the funeral of the 32-year-old from Antigua. A Caribbean carnival was held in St Pancras Town Hall.
The outdoor carnival was started by Rhaune Leslett in 1966. Around 60 people attended this. Now the Notting Hill London Carnival is tone of the biggest carnivals in the world, and the largest street party in Europe..
Not in London, here is a round-up of some of the best carnivals around the world.
When Is the Notting Hill Carnival 2025
Notting Hill Carnival London dates : It is easy to remember when the carnival takes place – it’s the carnival weekend is over the August Bank Holiday. In 2025 this falls over 23 to 25 August, with the Parade on the Monday. What time does carnival close? The Panorama Steel Band Competition closes at 11pm, apart from that events close at 7pm on both the Sunday or Monday, although the party can carry on a lot longer.
Notting Hill Carnival Route
Visit the official website for details of the carnival route: https://nhcarnival.org/carnival-info/maps
Mas Bands, Steel Bands and Brazilian Bands
Click for details of Mas Bands, Steel Bands and Brazilian bands performing at the 2025 Carnival, one of the main carnivals in the UK.
Further information on the Carnival
To keep up to date with what is scheduled for the Notting Hill Festival, click here. Photos: Notting Hill Carnival Trust, c. Niall Green.
