Float parade
The two-day carnival is a summer highlight and the culmination of a year of preparation. More than 100
decorated floats parade slowly along the
carnival route. Dancers in flamboyant costumes lead whistle-blowing carnival-goers through the infectious rhythms of calypso,
soca and steel band music. Bring the kids on Sunday, which is
Children’s Day. The crowds are smaller and there’s more room to move.
Carnival sounds
True to its Caribbean roots,
calypso and
steel bands are the soundtrack for the colourful dancers in the
carnival parade. Floats and stages entertain thousands of revellers, while street corner
sound systems keep the crowds moving to ska, reggae, hip-hop, soul and house music. Official guides map the layout of the sound systems. Or just let your ears and feet guide you. Check who’s performing live – international acts often appear free.
Food and drink
Tempting aromas of authentic
Caribbean cuisine and international dishes spill out from hundreds of street stalls. Barbecued
jerk chicken, well seasoned in a spicy marinade, is a carnival favourite, while roti and fried fish, curry goat and rice and peas are perennially popular. Cool off with fresh fruit juices, ice cold beers or refreshing rum punch.
Practical information
Arrive early to beat the crowds: carnival entertainment begins at 10 a.m. Go with the flow of the crowd, not against it. Carnival routes are well policed and crowd control ensures things run smoothly. If you’re taking the children, keep hold of their hands and avoid the busiest areas.
When: The last Monday in August and the Sunday before it
Where: The streets around Portobello Road in Notting Hill, west London
