Home » Student Life » Notting Hill Carnival: a brief history and how to get there
Back

Notting Hill Carnival: a brief history and how to get there

21st August 2017 Posted by: Laura Kemp

Traditionally held every August bank holiday, the flamboyant Notting Hill Carnival draws crowds from across the country and beyond to join in on the fun, food, and sound of the Caribbean culture. Boasting the title of Europe’s largest street festival, the colourful carnival completely takes over London’s affluent Notting Hill, Westbourne Park, and Holland Park neighbourhoods for two days to celebrate the wonderful diversity, heritage, and traditions of the capital’s Caribbean community.

The carnival dates back to 1964 when it drew a crowd of just five hundred visitors; these days, you can expect to join a whopping one million revellers. It began as a way for Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their culture and traditions in London, with similar carnivals already proving immensely popular in Trinidad as a way of celebrating the abolition of slavery and new found freedom. The very first Notting Hill Carnival was also intended to showcase the popular Caribbean musicians that played in Earl’s Court every weekend. Elaborate costumes were introduced that mocked the ostentatious fashions of the Caribbean people’s former masters - now, these iconic costumes make the carnival what it is today.

Attending the festival nowadays, you can expect to see floods of carnival floats and bands kicking off the atmosphere on both Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 9am, following a Jouvert procession where partygoers throw paint and mud on one another to the music from a steel band. Until 7pm, carnival-goers ready to party enjoy great live music from reggae to dancehall and calypso, as well as the vibrant tastes of Caribbean cuisine on every corner, from delicious jerk chicken to fried plantain and curried goat - of course along with a can of Red Stripe or two! It’s a huge celebration of dancing, colour, and incredible costumes.

Sunday is traditionally ‘Children’s Day’, where families are invited to join a little more low-key version of the carnival before the partying really starts on Monday. Children’s Day is perfect for entertaining the little ones, with a colourful parade for kids and music from the World Music Stage in Powis Square. Families can join in with young performers and enjoy delicious food and family workshops. On Monday, there are over 60 bands and dancers on floats getting the party started in the streets and nearby pubs, cafes, and restaurants.

Student World Online | Notting Hill Carnival

The best way to get to the action of the carnival is by taking the Tube to the outskirts of Notting Hill and joining the party as you follow the parade round and the many floats and fun draw the crowd. For Tube stations without disruption, exit at Holland Park or High Street Kensington, but be aware that Notting Hill Gate, Latimer Road, and Ladbroke Grove will have amended operating times during the carnival. There are also extra bus services in operation to make things a little easier for those looking to join in the colourful carnival.You can plan your journey here

 


Newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter


Follow Us

© 2024 Student World Online Registered in England and Wales 08074528
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Contact us