Notting Hill Carnival 2009

August 2009 (annual)
Notting Hill, Westbourne Grove, Kensington and Chelsea, London, W10 5QZ
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7730 3010
Europe's biggest carnival and street party festival comes to London again on the holiday weekend at the end of August as ever more elaborately dressed dancers, calypso and soca musicians, steelbands and huge sound systems are joined by over a millions party goers of all ages and from all around the globe. The Notting Hill Carnival was first held in 1966 as a local event for homesick members of London's Caribbean community but quickly evolved into the largest event of its kind in Europe.

The Sunday is the Children's Day, with a Notting Hill Carnival parade strictly for the younger ones but almost as much fun for visitors of all ages as the main event on Bank Holiday Monday, when the bright colours, extravagant costumes, elaborate floats and all the sounds of Carnival fill the streets from Westbourne Grove through Notting Hill to Kensington. With so many attending, it is wise to choose your preferred spot early and to be fully prepared for a long but fun-filled day. Also, check well ahead on your trip to and from Carnival as many tube stations and buses on the main route close down during the party - be prepared for a long walk on your way back to your hotel.

Visiting Notting Hill Carnival 2009:

Cost: Free
Time: 10am-7pm (until 10pm Mon).
Age Restrictions:n/a

Nearest Underground Stations:
Westbourne Park Tube (5 minutes)
Ladbroke Grove Tube (6 minutes)

Nearest Hotels: Stay at any of our central London hotels for a quiet stay and travel by the best route to your preferred spot on the Carnival route - just ask at reception for advice or check the options on www.tfl.gov.uk.