Top 10 things that happen at every Notting Hill Carnival
- Martyn Hayes
- Aug 21, 2019
- 2 min read
Price: Free
Website: www.thelondonnottinghillcarnival.com
August bank holiday weekend in London means one thing... Notting Hill Carnival is on its way! Every year the streets of West London are packed to celebrate the city's diverse and multi ethnic culture. Good times are felt as scantily glad men and women shake their thing and dance to onlooking crowds.
If this is your first time of visiting, you'll be forgiven for thinking "this is the mother of all street parties". It's huge, loud, brash and doesn't apologise for it. And would we want the procession to be any other way!?
The extravaganza proudly boasts London's Caribbean and South American culture. So expect a bit of rumba, salsa and all things West Indian.
As with many of the Big Smoke's annual events, certain things are bound to happen like clockwork. Here are a few that regular carnival goers will be familiar with:
Red Stripe - Lots of it! It's a Jamaican brew so why not!?
Locals sell items from their front yards Looking for some drinks, watermelons? You can buy it from some random dude selling it to passers-by
They charge for access to their toilets as well!
Flags Wanna see representation from Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, Cuba, Brazil etc? The procession won't disappoint
Steel drums Nothing like the high pitch clash of metal for a final summer send off!
Street food Exotic munch from road side vendors seems to be a staple summer diet for Londoners. This shindig wouldn't be complete without it
Awesome costumes Expect big feathers, wings, jewelry, glitter, wide skirts, vibrant colours and (ahem)... Flesh
Tube station closures It gets pretty packed down there. So be sure to arrive in advance and forget about using maps
Funky floats There's always something new with each passing display
The after-party If you're feet are feeling up to it, get involved in the good vibes that go on throughout the night!
London Town's multicultured makeup is one of the city's strengths. So it's right that we celebrate it each year! Just be sure to meet friends in advance, it can get a little crowded!
Want to find more activities around London? Click on the links below.
Comments