The London Notting Hill Carnival is an annual event which takes place during the bank holiday at the end of August (actual dates for 2012: 26th and 27th of August), starting on Sunday and finishing on Monday evening, from 10am until 7pm each day.
The Carnival has been held on the streets of Notting Hill since it's orgins in 1965. The Caribbean community lead the event, many of whom have lived in the area themselves since the 1950s. Visitors have swollen to around two million over the two day event, making the Notting Hill Carnival the largest in Europe and the second largest in the World (Rio De Janeiro is the largest). The Official Carnival opening Ceremony kicks off at 6am with Steel Bands In Ladbroke Grove!
The Carnival today has many different attractions including steel band & MAS Band competitions, judging on the best floats, flamboyant soca and calypso dancers, DJ sound systems
playing all dub, reggae, house, hip hop, jungle, soul and funk, Live PA performances, many different food stands with the Carribbean flavours being the preffered and recommended food of choice, naturally!
We recommend that you use public transport to get to the Carnival as most roads are closed in the area itself.
Notting Hill Carnival 2012 Tube Information:
Notting Hill Gate
Exit only 12:00-19:00 on 26-27 August
Circle and District line trains will not stop at this station between 12:00-19:00
There will be no interchange between Central and Circle/District Lines
Ladbroke Grove
Closed on Carnival Sunday & Monday.
Latimer Road
Closes at 23:30 on Carnival Sunday & Monday.
Royal Oak
Exit only 11:00-18:00 on 26-27 August.
Closes at 18:00 on both days.
Westbourne Park
Exit only 11:00-18:00 on Sunday and Monday.
Closes at 23:30 on both days.
Bayswater
If you're travelling on the Circle or District lines, use this station 12:00–19:00, as both lines will not stop at Notting Hill Gate
Alternative stations a bit further away are Holland Park and Shepherd's Bush (Central line), High Street Kensington (Circle and District lines) and Queen's Park (Bakerloo line).
This App uses your phone’s GPS to navigate through to any of the 37 Sound Systems, nearest toilet, food stall or first aid area. It will show you the route that the famous Notting Hill Carnival parade will take and even warn you when each of the Tube stations closes. If that is not enough, it will also keep you up to date with relevant carnival news via its Twitter integration.
To help ensure you enjoy the Notting Hill Carnival we have put together the following tips. Use them as a guide and adhere to the carnival code - "Enjoy, stay safe and respect others" and you will have a great time.
• Arrange to meet friends and family before entering the Carnival itself as the crowds grow fast.
• Set up a meeting place in case you loose your family or friends.
• To avoid congestion, arrive and leave early.
• Be aware of pick pockets who will be attracted to the large crowds
• If you decide to move around the Carnival area you may find your return journey easier from another station or bus stop.
• Don’t carry too much cash or credit cards around with you. Though the cashpoints are emptied fast, so ensure you have enough!
• Ensure arrangements for your return journey before leaving for the Carnival.
• Go with the flow of the crowd – walking against it is not recommended, especially with children.
• We don’t recommend you bring valuables or wear expensive jewellery and keep you belongings with you at all times.
• The weather could be good so do not forget your sunglasses and suncream, part of the essential kit for the Carnival.
• If you see an unattended bag or package anywhere please report it to the nearest Police Officer or member of LNHC’s (who organise the Notting Hill Carnival) Public Safety team immediately.
