Notting Hill Carnival 2026
Europe's largest street festival.
Notting Hill Carnival takes over the streets of West London over the August Bank Holiday weekend — Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August 2026. Rooted in the Caribbean communities who first staged it in the 1960s, it has grown into Europe's largest street festival, drawing on the order of two million people across the two days.
What to expect
Sunday is traditionally 'Children's Day'; Monday is the grand parade. Sound systems, masquerade bands ('mas'), steel pan and Caribbean food fill the streets around Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park. It is free to attend, joyful and crowded — closer to a carnival in the truest sense than to a ticketed event.
The London BGTC Society's view
We feature Carnival as a reminder that London's cultural life is as much in its streets as in its institutions — the exuberant close to the capital's summer, and a window onto the city's living multiculturalism.
Frequently asked questions
When is Notting Hill Carnival 2026?
Over the August Bank Holiday weekend — Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August 2026 — around Notting Hill in West London.
Is it free?
Yes, Carnival is a free, open street festival. There is no ticket for the parade and street celebrations.
What happens on each day?
Sunday is traditionally Children's Day; Monday hosts the main Grand Finale parade, with sound systems and masquerade bands across both days.
This is an independent informational guide compiled by the London BGTC Society for its members; we are not affiliated with, nor the organiser of, this event. All booking and official information lives on the organiser's website, linked above. Dates and programmes are subject to change — always confirm on the official site before making plans.
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