Notting Hill Carnival 2026 fills the streets of west London on Sunday, August 30 and Monday, August 31, 2026 — and this year marks 60 years since the first carnival in 1966. Count down with our live Notting Hill Carnival countdown.
When is Notting Hill Carnival 2026?
The carnival always falls on the August bank-holiday weekend. In 2026 the Panorama steel-band competition is on Saturday, August 29, with the main carnival on Sunday, August 30 (Family Day and the Children's Parade) and the grand parade on bank-holiday Monday, August 31.
What happens at Notting Hill Carnival
- J'ouvert — the early-morning paint-and-powder celebration that opens Sunday.
- Mas bands — masquerade troupes parading in elaborate, colourful costumes.
- Sound systems — dozens of static rigs pumping soca, reggae, dancehall and more.
- Steel pan — the Panorama championship and live bands on the route.
- Caribbean food — jerk chicken, curry goat, rice and peas and rum punch.
A 60-year tradition
Born in 1966 from London's British-Caribbean community, Notting Hill Carnival has grown into the largest street festival in Europe, drawing around two million people each year. The 2026 edition is a milestone 60th anniversary, expected to be one of the biggest yet.
Count down to Carnival
Watch the days tick down on the live Notting Hill Carnival countdown, explore more festival countdowns, or create your own countdown to the bank-holiday weekend.