Notting Hill Carnival is Europe's largest street party, celebrating dynamic Caribbean culture, cuisine, dance, and community. Taking place annually in West London in August, this highly anticipated event attracts over 2 million individuals for a vibrant and festive experience.
Noting your first visit to London or an old favourite, Notting Hill Carnival 2025 will be a year-round highlight of cultural activity.
When is the Notting Hill Carnival 2025?
The carnival takes place over the August bank holiday weekend:
- Sunday, 24 August 2025 – Family Parade / Children's Day
- Monday, 25 August 2025 – Grand Finale Parade
These are the days of the Notting Hill Carnival with full-scale parades, music trucks, masquerade bands, and food stalls in full flow.
Notting Hill Carnival Start Time
- J'ouvert Morning Parade: 6:00 AM on Sunday – Paint, powder, and live drummers
- Children's Parade: Starting at 10:00 AM on Sunday
- Main Adult Parade: Starting at 10:30 AM on Monday
- Music usually goes on until 7:00 PM on both days.
Arrive early, especially if you want a good viewing spot for the floats.
Notting Hill Carnival Address & Route
Although there is no one Notting Hill Carnival address, the main ones are:
- Ladbroke Grove: The most popular parade centre and
- Westbourne Park
- Kensal Road
- Powis Square – Cultural stage and steel bands
Closest Tube Stations:
- Ladbroke Grove (expect closures)
- Notting Hill Gate (10–15 min walk)
- Westbourne Park
- Royal Oak
Local tip: Walk or cycle in. Some stations might be exit-only or closed due to crowd control.
Do You Need Notting Hill Festival Tickets?
Notting Hill Carnival is free. Still, you might want to purchase:
- Notting Hill festival tickets for VIP viewing areas
- Mas band packages if you wish to participate in the parade
- Afterparty passes for special events
Book in advance, particularly for Monday VIP areas and ticketed events.
5 Amusing Notting Hill Carnival Facts
- The initial procession took place in 1966, arranged by Rhaune Laslett.
- More than 30 tonnes of jerk chicken are roasted annually.
- Residents hire out toilets and gardens through signs & QR codes.
- Over 60 bands and 30 sound systems play.
- The Carnival runs on thousands of volunteers and local groups.
Local-Only Tips (You Won't See These on Google)
- J'ouvert is the best-kept secret: Dress shabbily and arrive at 6 AM.
- Sound system allegiance counts: Locals stick with one system throughout the day – find an atmosphere and stay with it.
- Money is king: Most food stalls only accept cash or QR tips. ATMs are rare.
- Toilets fill up quickly: Some residents charge £1–2 to use clean facilities in their houses.
- Avoid bulky bags: Wear a crossbody and keep essentials close.
Best Places to Stay Near Notting Hill Carnival (thesquare Recommendations)
Staying nearby makes all the difference. thesquare offers premium serviced apartments in Notting Hill with space, calm, and all the comforts you’ll need after a day of dancing.
Top Picks:
- Westbourne Grove Apartments: Steps from the action, great for brunch lovers
- ️Paddington Suite: Excellent transport links, quieter nights
- Kensington Residences: Luxe stay for families or extended trips
Why book with thesquare?
- Private kitchens & lounges
- Fully serviced and secure
- Noise-insulated – great for post-carnival rest
- Easy access to Tube lines and Carnival routes
Explore serviced apartments near Notting Hill →
Carnival Map Overview
Final Checklist for Carnival Day
- Book a serviced apartment well in advance
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Take tissues, hand sanitizer, money, and sunscreen
- Select a sound system and go with the flow
- Soak up the atmosphere- this is London at its finest
Conclusion: Enjoy Notting Hill Carnival like a local
Notting Hill Carnival 2025 will deliver moments to remember, thumping beats, and cultural diversity you simply won't find on the continent. And with proper planning and insider knowledge, you'll not only be there to witness it all, you'll experience it.
And when the music stops, your thesquare home will be the haven you never knew you'd crave.
