Notting Hill Carnival 2026: Everything you need to know

Notting Hill Carnival will mark its 60th anniversary this bank holiday weekend, with the streets of west London set to come alive with music, costumes and celebration.

Europe's largest street carnival takes place from 29 to 31 August, with millions of people expected to attend the annual celebration of Caribbean culture.

First launched in 1966, Notting Hill Carnival brings together communities through sound systems, parades and performances.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular carnival-goer, planning ahead can help you make the most of the weekend. Here's everything you need to know before heading out.

Tickets are required for Saturday's Panorama event, but the main carnival on Sunday and Monday is free to attend and no ticket is needed.

Saturday 29 August: Panorama

• 16:00 to 00:00: UK National Panorama Steel Band Competition, Emslie Horniman's Pleasance Park (W10)
• 17:00: Junior Panorama competition
• 20:00: Panorama finals featuring the UK's leading adult steel orchestras
• Later in the evening: Winners announced

What to expect: Saturday acts as the curtain-raiser to Carnival weekend. The focus is on steelpan music, with youth and adult bands competing in the UK's biggest steel band contest.

Sunday 30 August: Family day

• 06:00 to 09:00: J'ouvert, starting at Sainsbury's by Canal Way Roundabout
• 10:00 to 10:30: Official Opening Ceremony, Great Western Road
• From 10:30: Children's Day Parade
• Throughout the day: Dutty/Fun Mas celebrations
• 12:00 to 19:00: Sound systems across the carnival route
• 12:00 to 19:00: Live performances at the Powis Square Stage

What to expect: Sunday is traditionally the more family-friendly day of Carnival, with the Children's Day Parade showcasing young masqueraders in elaborate costumes. Early risers can catch J'ouvert, a vibrant pre-dawn celebration rooted in Caribbean carnival traditions.

Monday 31 August: The main event

• 10:30: Adults' Parade begins
• 12:00 to 19:00: Sound systems across the carnival footprint
• 12:00 to 19:00: Live performances at the Powis Square Stage
• Throughout the day: Mas bands, floats and performers take to the streets

What to expect: Monday is Carnival at its largest and loudest. The Adults' Parade brings thousands of performers, spectacular costumes and music-filled floats to the streets of west London. It is typically the busiest day, attracting the biggest crowds and the liveliest atmosphere.

TfL recommends travelling to the festival via Paddington Station, which is a short walk from the carnival route.

Paddington is served by the Elizabeth line, National Rail, Bakerloo, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines.

Follow the signed walking routes between Paddington and the carnival.

Station closures

The following restrictions apply at these stations on both Sunday and Monday:

• Ladbroke Grove: Closed all day
• Latimer Road: Closes at 23:00
• Notting Hill Gate: No entry between 11:00 and 18:00
• Westbourne Park: No entry from 11:00
• Holland Park: No entry between 11:00 and 15:00, then closes at 15:00
• Queensway: Exit only between 11:00 and 18:00
• Royal Oak: No entry between 11:00 and 18:00, then closes at 18:00
• Kensal Rise: Chamberlayne Road entrance closes at 18:00

Carnival bus services

Several limited-stop bus routes will operate during the weekend:

• 148X: Notting Hill Gate to Victoria (10:00 to 17:00), then onward to Vauxhall until 22:00
• 7X: Connects Oxford Circus, Paddington, Lancaster Gate, Notting Hill Gate and East Acton
• 36X: Runs from Peckham to Harrow Road (one-way service)
• 18X: Warren Street to Stonebridge Park (12:00 to 22:00)
• 23X: Harrow Road to Victoria, operating on Monday afternoon only

Road closures and parking

• Extensive road closures will be in place across the surrounding area. You can see the full list of closures on the Westminster council and Kensington and Chelsea council websites.
• These restrictions begin at 06:00 on Sunday 30 August and remain in place until 06:00 on Tuesday 1 September.
• Numerous parking bays will be suspended during the carnival period.
• Traffic will generally be diverted around a designated ring route using roads including Harrow Road, Holland Park Avenue, Uxbridge Road, Wood Lane and Kensington Church Street.
• Organisers and police may close some areas or temporarily restrict access as part of crowd control measures as the day goes on.

Event organisers advise checking the weather and preparing accordingly. In hot conditions, wear sunscreen, a hat and loose clothing, and drink plenty of water. Waterproofs and comfortable footwear are also recommended in case of rain.

Police officers and stewards can be identified along the route by their uniforms or high visibility clothing.

These individuals are connected to a central control room staffed by emergency services, local councils and carnival organisers.

Welfare hubs are located at:

• Powis Square
• Emslie Horniman's Pleasance Gardens (north end)
• Shrewsbury Gardens
• Venture Community Centre, Faraday Road

The Mayor of London has also announced an additional £4.66m for this year's carnival, aimed at improving safety and helping organisers manage overcrowding.

Mobile phone signals can become unreliable in crowded areas, so agree a meeting point with friends or family in advance.

It is also advised that children should carry contract details for a parent or guardian in case they become lost.

Public transport is expected to be very busy, especially at the end of each day, so allow extra time for your journey home.

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