Notting Hill Carnival is back for another year to make the August bank holiday weekend that much more joyful. A colourful celebration of Caribbean heritage and culture, Notting Hill Carnival is Europe's largest street party and host to music, dancing, a 3 mile parade and generally immaculate vibes.
Having started in 1966, carni is a bank holiday must and returns for its 57th year this weekend, with over two million people descending on the West London borough to join in on the fun each year. So if you're keen to indulge in some of the revelry yourself, here's what to know ahead of Notting Hill Carnival.
- Where is Notting Hill Carnival?
- When does Notting Hill Carnival start?
- What time does carnival finish?
- Do you have to pay to for Notting Hill Carnival?
- Notting Hill Carnival 2025 lineup
- How to travel to Notting Hill Carnival
Where is Notting Hill Carnival?
The clue is in the name with this one, though carnival takes place around Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Grove, Westbourne Park and Kensal Road. You can download the full Notting Hill Carnival map by following @trippin.world on Instagram.
When does Notting Hill Carnival start?
This year, carnival starts on Saturday 23 August and runs until Monday 25 August.
What time does carnival finish?
Music wraps at 7pm on both Sunday and Monday, while those feeling particularly energetic have no shortage of after parties to head on to.
Do you have to pay for a ticket to for Notting Hill Carnival?
No, the parade and sound systems are free so just get yourself there and enjoy!
Plus, for the first time this year the judging zone has opened with ticketed options to let members of the public join in on the fun from a seat and with access to toilets.
Notting Hill Carnival 2025 lineup
Kicking off the festivities for carnival is the Panorama Steelpan competition. Taking place in Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park from 4pm - 11pm, it's sure to be a treat.
The second day of Notting Hill Carnival, family day is the more chilled out option for carni to enjoy family-friendly activities, the children's parade, music and amazing outfits. Here's exactly what you can expect this year:
- J'ouvert – 6am - 9am at Sainsbury's by Canal Way Roundabout
- Official opening ceremony – 10am - 10.30am at Great Western Road
- Children’s day parade – 10.30am - 5pm at Great Western Road
- Dutty/Fun Mas – TBC at parade route
- Sound systems – 12pm - 7pm at various locations
- Live stages – 12pm - 7pm at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park and Powis Square
Adults day is perhaps the climax of carnival, being your best opportunity to see amazing costumes, incredible sound systems and beyond.
- Adult’s parade – 10.30am - 5pm at Great Western Road
- Sound systems – 12pm - 7pm across locations, including the beloved Rampage stage!
- Live stages – 12pm - 7pm at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park and Powis Square
You can read up on more details for each of the days here.
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How to travel to Notting Hill Carnival
If there's one thing carnival is, it's busy, so make sure you plan your route ahead of time and get there early where you can. You're best off planning your route via TFL's journey planner, though it's worth bearing in mind the following station times over the weekend:
- Ladbroke Grove is closed all day.
- Latimer Road closes at 23:30 though may also shut for brief periods to control crowding.
- Notting Hill Gate has no entry from 11:00 to 18:00. District/Circle lines will not stop here and there's no interchange between the Central and District lines.
- Westbourne Park can get particularly busy so avoid where you can. There's no entry from 11:00.
- Holland Park has no entry from 11:00 to 15:00, with the station closing at 15:00
- Royal Oak has entry from 11:00 to 18:00, with the station closing at 18:00
- Shepherd’s Bush will be open as usual though expect it to get especially busy in the afternoon.
- Kensal Green will be open as normal with a queuing system operating, so expect a wait.
TFL also recommend travelling to Paddington and following the signed walking route as below:
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You can find more detail here.
