About this Event
First held in 1966 and rooted in London’s Caribbean community and the Windrush generation, Notting Hill Carnival has grown into Europe’s largest street festival and what organisers call the greatest community-led event on the planet. The 2027 edition will bring two spectacular days of free street celebration to West London, with colourful mas bands, steel bands, sound systems, soca and calypso, Brazilian bands, live stages, and Caribbean food and drink filling the streets of Notting Hill.
Date & Time
29th & 30th August 2027 — Sunday 29th August is Families and Children’s Day, and Monday 30th August is Adults Day, both free to all. The weekend also includes Steel Band Competition Day on Saturday 28th August 2027, a ticket-only UK National Panorama event.
Explore Local Experiences
Venue & Location
Notting Hill Carnival takes place on the streets of Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, and Westbourne Park, London W10 and W11, United Kingdom. The parade route winds through Great Western Road, Chepstow Road, Westbourne Grove, Ladbroke Grove, and Kensal Road, with the nearest stations including Notting Hill Gate, Westbourne Park, Ladbroke Grove, and Royal Oak.
Staying overnight?
Check the nearest hotel near the venue.
What to Expect at the Festival
Visitors can enjoy large groups of dancers wearing bright and colourful costumes. They can also watch live shows by steelpan musicians playing together.
Caribbean food is another big part of the festival. The J’ouvert Morning Celebration is also a special event. Children can take part in their own colourful parade with music, costumes, and fun shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to help you plan your visit.
When is Notting Hill Carnival 2027?
Notting Hill Carnival 2027 will take place on 29th and 30th August 2027, over the August bank holiday weekend. Sunday is Families and Children’s Day, Monday is Adults Day, and Saturday 28th August hosts the ticket-only Steel Band Competition.
Is Notting Hill Carnival free?
Yes. The main Sunday and Monday parades and street celebrations are free to all, with no ticket needed. Only special events such as the Saturday Steel Band Competition / UK National Panorama are ticketed, so you can simply turn up, follow the parade route, and enjoy the sound systems, stages, and food stalls.
Where does Notting Hill Carnival start and what is the parade route?
The carnival spreads across Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, and Westbourne Park in West London. The route traditionally loops through Great Western Road, Chepstow Road, Westbourne Grove, Ladbroke Grove, and Kensal Road. Check the official Notting Hill Carnival app and website closer to the event for the confirmed 2027 route, road closures, and judging zone locations.
What should I wear and bring to Notting Hill Carnival?
Wear comfortable shoes, light summer clothes, sun protection, and something you don’t mind getting dusty or splashed during J’ouvert and Dutty Mas. Bring water, cash and card, a portable charger, and ear protection for children near sound systems. Arrive early for the best viewing spots and expect large crowds, road closures, and limited phone signal at peak times.
How do I get to Notting Hill Carnival and where should I stay?
The closest Tube and rail options are Notting Hill Gate, Westbourne Park, Ladbroke Grove, Royal Oak, and Paddington, though some stations may be exit-only or very busy on carnival days. Walking from nearby stations is often fastest. For accommodation, staying in Notting Hill, Kensington, Paddington, or West London puts you within walking distance of the parade route.
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