Notting Hill Carnival 2026
When is Notting Hill Carnival 2026?
Notting Hill Carnival 2026 takes place on Sunday 30th August and Monday 31st August 2026.
Sunday is traditionally Family Day, with events and activities for children.
Monday is Adults' Day, with the main parade and sound systems.
The 60th Anniversary
2026 isn't just any Carnival year. It marks 60 years since the first Notting Hill Carnival in 1966 – the most significant anniversary in the festival's history. What started as a small street gathering organised by Rhaune Laslett has become Europe's largest street festival, attracting over two million people to the streets of West London every August bank holiday weekend.
In the summer of 1966, community organiser Rhaune Laslett brought neighbours together for a multicultural street festival in Notting Hill. Steel band pioneer Russ Henderson brought Caribbean music to the streets, connecting the event to Trinidad's Carnival tradition. From 1973, Leslie Palmer transformed it into a major festival that drew tens of thousands.
But Carnival didn't emerge from nowhere. Its roots lie in the Windrush generation who arrived from the Caribbean in the 1950s and 60s, building community in the face of racism and discrimination. The 1958 Notting Hill race riots, the struggles of the Mangrove Nine, and decades of resistance and resilience created the conditions for Carnival to become what it is today – a celebration of survival, culture and identity.
The History
Celebrate the 60th Anniversary
To mark this milestone, Notting Hill Walks are running a six-month heritage programme from May to October 2026, exploring the real history behind Europe's biggest street festival.
What's included:
Heritage Walks – Guided tours through the streets where Carnival was born, from the Mangrove restaurant to the early sound system locations
Evening Events – Exclusive experiences for corporate groups and teams
Talks & Panels – Community speakers sharing first-hand stories of Carnival's origins
Exhibition – 60 years of Carnival documented in artwork
Caribbean Suppers – Food and intergenerational storytelling
Creative Workshops – Art workshops for schools, community groups and researchers
#Carnival60 Programme launches 7th April 2026
Europe's biggest street festival. Join the mailing list for early access.
Join a Carnival Band
Want to be part of Notting Hill Carnival 2026, not just watch it?
Elimu Mas Band welcomes new members to join their mas band and take part in the Carnival parade. Whether you've never done Carnival before or you're an experienced masquerader, this is your chance to be part of the 60th anniversary celebration.
Interested? Email us at hello@nottinghillwalks.co.uk and we'll pass your details on to Elimu.
Gallery
Vibrant moments from Notting Hill Carnival 2025
FAQs
When is Notting Hill Carnival 2026?
Sunday 30th August and Monday 31st August 2026, over the August bank holiday weekend. Sunday is Family Day, featuring the children's parade. Monday is Adults' Day, with the main parade.
Where does Notting Hill Carnival take place?
The Carnival route runs through the streets of Notting Hill and Ladbroke Grove in West London, with the main parade on the Great Western Road, Chepstow Road and Westbourne Grove.
Is 2026 a special anniversary?
Yes – 2026 marks 60 years since Notting Hill Carnival was founded in 1966. What started as a small community street festival has grown into Europe's largest street festival.
Who founded Notting Hill Carnival?
Rhaune Laslett organised the first festival in 1966. Russ Henderson brought steel pan music to the streets, and Leslie Palmer transformed it into a major event from 1973.
Can I take part in Carnival, not just watch?
Join one of our Caribbean heritage walks or sign up to the Notting Hill Carnival 60 programme launching April 2026.
Yes – Notting Hill Walks run guided heritage walks throughout the year, exploring the streets, buildings and stories behind Carnival's history. Book a walk →
Yes – Elimu Mas Band welcomes new members to join their parade. Email hello@nottinghillwalks.co.uk and we'll connect you.
How can I learn about Notting Hill Carnival's history?
Are there events before Carnival weekend?
Yes – the Notting Hill Carnival 60 programme by Notting Hill Walks and More Curricular CIC runs from May to October 2026, with walks, talks, exhibitions and community events throughout the six months.
Is Notting Hill Carnival free?
Yes – Notting Hill Carnival is a free public event. No tickets are required to attend.
What time does Notting Hill Carnival start & finish?
On Sunday (Family Day), the opening ceremony is 10am–10.30am, followed by the children's parade from 10.30am–5pm. On Monday (Adults' Day), the parade runs 10.30am–5pm. Sound systems and live stages run 12pm–7pm on both days. All music finishes at 7pm.