Never been to Notting Hill Carnival? Need a refresher? If you're heading to Carnival, read on for all you need to know to about one of London's (and Europe's) biggest parties.
Costumed dancers aplenty at Notting Hill Carnival. Image: Shutterstock
What is Notting Hill Carnival?
Notting Hill Carnival is a huge, free street celebration centred around the Caribbean community. It's Europe's biggest street festival, and the world's second largest carnival (Rio takes first place) — bringing bangin' beats, lashings of street food (jerk chicken is a staple), razzle-dazzle costumes and utterly fabulous parade processions.
It's been taking place since 1966 — though a similar event took place before that, organised by Claudia Jones in response to race riots and hostility faced by the Windrush Generation in London. These days it boasts more Mas bands and sound systems than ever.
