Londons largest street event, and actually one of the largest in Europe, is the
Notting Hill Carnival (and often compared to the Rio Carnival). It is held every
year in August and coincides with the summer bank holiday (the last Monday of
the month). The event spans three days, Sunday and Monday are the main days with
Monday being the biggest attended of all and when close to one million people will attend. On the
Saturday is the event known as the 'Panorma', a competition between Steel Bands
(among the largest outside of Trinidad) and which now takes place in the nearby
Hyde Park.
First held in 1964 the Carnival has grown larger over the years to become a huge
multicultural and spectacular celebration. Afro Caribbean music and culture
makes up the main displays, food stalls (number in the 100's) and sounds
systems. There are also a handful of large fixed stages and many fixed sound
systems. Other nationalities represented also include those from South America,
Afghanistan, Kurdistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines. A huge event that is matched
by a large police presence of several thousand strong.
The floats take a 3 mile route around the Notting Hill area (Great Western Road,
Chepstow Road, Westbourne Grove, Ladbroke Grove ) while Ladbroke Grove is the
main focal area.
On the Sunday morning the carnival starts with what is called Childrens Day.
Aimed at families (somewhat quieter and safer than the main event and with
childrens play areas) all the participants in the displays are under the age of
21 and the theme is aimed at teaching the spectators about some of the
traditions and cultures that make up the main event. The route taken is also
shorter than the main event.
While a hugely successful event attracting visitors from all over the world its
less popular with many of its local residents. Each year many take the
opportunity for a weekend break rather than face the noise and restrictions they
find on their doorstep. Many roads are blocked off to local traffic making it
hard for residents to move about as they do for the rest of the year.
CARNIVAL ROUTE