NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL - 29 - 31st AUGUST
One of the biggest street festivals in Europe!
Notting Hill Carnival began in 1964 as an offshoot of the Trinidad Carnival, which explains its wonderful Caribbean theme. Since it began it has gone from strength to strength and it's an amazing event. This fabulous festival, the biggest street festival in Europe, has stayed true to its Caribbean roots since its beginning, and is known for its Calypso music and steel bands as well as outrageous outfits and amazing dancing.
As well as music and dancing, you're also in for a real treat with the best of Caribbean food on offer.
This year's theme is "Emergence of Carnival" in recognition of the diversity of carnival arts. It begins on August 29th with Panorama, a free, open air evening event for the whole family. The parade on Sunday 30th is a children's parade which features a shorter route and is great for families who want to join in. The grand finale is what it's all about though, and on Bank Holiday Monday it will feature 60 bands in amazing costumes, dancing to mobile sound systems and steel bands. Notting Hill carnival is a real chance to let your creative side run riot; you can wear the brightest, most fun and vibrant costumes you can find with wigs, head dresses, feather boas... the brighter and more outlandish the better. If you love your fancy dress, this is the carnival for you!
