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The Notting Hill London Carnival has grown into the largest street event in Europe as well as one of the biggest carnivals in the world. It is estimated as being the equivalent to 11 Glastonbury festivals.
However, what is now a massive event drawing in around two million people each year in a celebration of Caribbean culture and multiculturalism in London started from humble and tragic circumstances.
Origins of the Notting Hill Carnival London
Although carnivals around the world are associated with Lent, the Notting Hill Carnival is a more recent addition and is very much rooted in the history of the Windrush Generation Caribbean community in London.
The Notting Hill Carnival was prompted by the killing of Kelso Cochrane a 32 year old, Antigua-born carpenter, who was killed in a racially motivated attack in Notting Hill on 17 May 1959. Around 1,200 people attended the funeral, and the case is still unsolved.
In reaction, Claudia Jones, a human rights activist organised a BBC-broadcasted indoor ‘Caribbean Carnival’ in 1959 in St Pancras Town Hall.
Social worker Rhaune Leslett organised the first outdoor festival in 1966 with the aim of creating an outdoor space for children and the local West Indian community. Russell Henderson played steel pans and some 50 or so people attended.
Multiple static sound systems were introduced in 1973 – the Notting Hill London Carnival is the only major global carnival to include them. The first stages were introduced six years later by Wilf Walker, initially featuring punk and reggae bands.
Notting Hill London Carnival Music
Now there are some 70 performing stages, with ten steel pan bands, and more than 40 sound systems playing calypso, Soca, dub and funk music as well as reggae.
The carnival has given stage to both Aswad and Eddie Grant, as well as Stormzy and Craig.
Such a huge music array is one of the highlights of the Notting Hill Carnival in London. If you come to the Notting Hill Carnival in London, you will be amazed by the music scene. If you want to commemorate this event, customise the sticker to capture the moment forever. You can easily incorporate the elements you want from the London Notting Hill Carnival into the design of custom stickers. Paste the Custom Vinyl Stickers in a conspicuous place around your home or office. No matter when you see them, you will be reminded of the fun of the carnival. Happy London Notting Hill Carnival this time around.
When Is the London Notting Hill Carnival 2024?
The carnival is always held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, so it will be from 23 to 26 August 2024. Although other carnivals are held around Lent, perhaps the London weather is responsible for the August Notting Hill Carnival.
Mas Bands
At the centre of the carnival are the Mas (Masquerade) bands, particularly in the parade. These consist of performers wearing elaborate and colourful costumes dancing to the music. The bands can reach up to 300 people.
Notting Hill Carnival Tradition
Sunday can become messy as this is the day when revellers slap each other with chocolate, so make sure you dress casually.
London Notting Hill Carnival 2024 Schedule
Traditionally, the Saturday of the carnival sees Panorama, the biggest steel band competition in the UK, which is held at Emslie Horniman Pleasance Park.
Sunday, sees the J’Ouvert or the opening of the carnival just before sunrise, followed by the opening ceremony, children’s parade and traditional parade. Food stalls will serve a selection of Caribbean food, and music will blast out from the sound systems.
The Monday is when the main parade takes place. Expect an enormous amount of partying.
At the heart of the Notting Hill Carnival London is the local community. This is a carnival which celebrates not only the Caribbean culture in London, but the UK capital’s multiculturalism. Be prepared to have a lot of fun!
Notting Hill Carnival London Dates?
It is always spread across the August Bank Holiday weekend, so in 2024 it is 23 to 25 August.
Where Is the Carnival?
The London Carnival spreads across Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove and Wesbourne Park in the western part of the UK capital. The main parade begins on Great Western Road, and then proceeds via Chepstow Road and Westbourne Grove to Ladbroke Grove. Westbourne Park and Ladbroke Grove stations are the nearest Tube stations. Check the TfL website for delays and closures before departing. Alternatively, if you are arriving from overseas you can always take use Premier London airport taxis.
Live Stages
The main stages for the London Notting Hill carnival are Horniman’s Stage, Powis Square Stage and the Meanwhile Garden Stage. For more information on the live stages, click here.
Further Information
For information on anything else to do with the carnival, click here.
