About Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe and a vibrant celebration of London's Caribbean community, drawing around two million people to the streets of west London each year. Born in 1966 out of the British-Caribbean community's response to racial tensions, it has grown into a riot of colour and sound: elaborate masquerade (mas) costumes, thundering sound systems, calypso and soca music, steel-pan bands and the irresistible aroma of jerk chicken and rum punch.
The carnival unfolds over the August bank-holiday weekend. Sunday is traditionally Family Day, with the Children's Parade, while Monday is the grand adult parade when costumed bands snake along the route in full splendour. The Saturday before hosts Panorama, the national steel-band championship, and Sunday morning opens with J'ouvert, a paint- and powder-covered dawn celebration. Together they make up a weekend-long explosion of Caribbean culture in the heart of the city.
Notting Hill Carnival always falls on the last weekend of August, with the main parade on the August bank-holiday Monday. The 2026 edition is especially significant as it marks 60 years since the first carnival in 1966. Add Notting Hill Carnival to your own countdown page and the clock above will show exactly how many days are left until the sound systems power up.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Monday, August 31, 2026next |
| 2027 | Monday, August 30, 2027 |
| 2028 | Monday, August 28, 2028 |
| 2029 | Monday, August 27, 2029 |
| 2030 | Monday, August 26, 2030 |
FAQ
When is Notting Hill Carnival?
It is held over the August bank-holiday weekend, with the Children's Parade on Sunday and the grand parade on the bank-holiday Monday. The countdown above shows the time until the next carnival.
Why is Notting Hill Carnival celebrated?
It began in 1966 as a celebration of Caribbean culture and a response to racial tensions in London, and has grown into a joyful showcase of the city's Caribbean heritage.
How is Notting Hill Carnival celebrated?
With masquerade parades in elaborate costumes, soca and calypso music, steel-pan bands, sound systems, the J'ouvert dawn celebration and Caribbean street food like jerk chicken.
How many people go to Notting Hill Carnival?
Around two million people attend over the weekend, making it the biggest street festival in Europe and one of the largest in the world.