Notting Hill Carnival
The London Notting Hill Carnival is an annual event which takes place during the bank holiday at the end of August (actual dates are on our calender page), starting on Sunday and finishing on Monday evening, from 9am 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.
FIRST AIDERS AT THE READY TO SUPPORT CARNIVAL
Hundreds of St John Ambulance volunteers will be on duty to provide first aid care at the Notting Hill Carnival this weekend (Sunday 28th and Monday 29th August).
St John Ambulance will deploy 400 volunteers each day to ensure the wellbeing of the one million visitors expected to attend the event, which is Europe’s biggest street carnival.
The nation’s leading first aid charity will work alongside the London Ambulance Service throughout the weekend.
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Notting Hill Carnival 2011 Tube Information:
Notting Hill Gate
No connection between the Central and District/Circle lines on either day. On Carnival Sunday & Monday the station will be exit only from 11am - 7pm. The Circle and District lines will not stop from 11am to 7pm.
Ladbroke Grove
Closed on both Carnival days.
Latimer Road
Closes at 11.30pm on Carnival Sunday & Monday.
Kensal Green
Exit only from 4pm onwards on both days
Royal Oak
Carnival Sunday & Monday the station will be exit only from 11am - 6pm. After 6pm the station will close and the Hammersmith and City line will not stop at this station.
Westbourne Park
Carnival Sunday & Monday the station is exit only from 11am - 6pm. Closes at 11.30pm.
Bayswater
Open Carnival Sunday and Monday. May be advisable to use on Monday as Circle/District lines will not stop at Notting Hill Gate.
Queensway
Open on Carnival Sunday and Monday.
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).
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check out Carnival AFTER PARTIES >>>
run your own Carnival in
Carnival Tycoon Game >>>
Carnival Tips
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. |
