Notting Hill Carnival 2022: A Celebration of Caribbean Culture
Dancers sashaying in sequins and feathers; the smoky-sweet smells of barbecued jerk chicken and booming sound systems you feel in your chest. It’s the most wonderful time of the year in London. Notting Hill Carnival is just days away. It’s Europe’s biggest street festival, as well as the world’s second-largest Carnival after Rio de Janeiro. Following a two-year COVID hiatus, this year’s event is even more special.
History of Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival was first started by London’s West Indian communities in 1966 and now sees around two million people attend. It takes place every August bank holiday, with this year’s parades officially starting at 10 am on Sunday, August 28, and at 10:30 am on Bank Holiday Monday, August 29.
What to Expect at the Carnival
The event—a celebration of Caribbean culture, arts, and heritage—includes a huge parade of floats, performers, and music, with sounds of steel drum bands blasting through west London and incredible food to replenish your energy. Londoners revel in the chance to dance together and let loose in the name of community.
Why Did Carnival Start?
The seeds of Carnival were sown in 1959 when Trinidadian human rights activist Claudia Jones created an event to celebrate Caribbean culture and ease racial tensions within the local community. Connected to the death of Kelso Cochrane, a 32-year-old Antiguan-born carpenter killed in a racially motivated attack in 1959, the first outdoor festival took place in Notting Hill in 1966. Since then, the vibrant community-led event has grown to become the biggest street festival in Europe.
Schedule for Notting Hill Festival 2022
Sunday, August 28, is known as family day. Festivities kick off with the traditional celebration of J’Ouvert from 6 am to 9 am before the official start of Carnival. The official opening ceremony takes place from 10 am to 10:30 am on Great Western Road, followed by the children’s day parade and Carnival parade, going on until 5 pm. On both Carnival days (Sunday and Monday), the 36 static sound systems will be operating from 12 pm to 7 pm across west London.
Where Will the Parades Be Found?
On Sunday and Monday, the main parades start on Great Western Road, heading south toward Westbourne Park. Dancers turn through Ladbroke Gardens and proceed north up Ladbroke Grove until the parade ends by Kensal Green Cemetery.
Traveling to Carnival
With no planned tube strikes across Carnival weekend, regular transport advice applies. Carnival takes place on the streets of London W10 and W11, covering areas like Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Grove, Westbourne Park, and Kensal Road. The Central Line will be open the whole weekend for Queensway, Notting Hill Gate, and Holland Park, with Circle and Hammersmith and City lines serving Westbourne Park, Ladbroke Grove, and Latimer Road. Note that streets around Notting Hill will be pedestrianized, which means bus routes may change.
Choosing Your Day: Sunday or Monday?
Choosing which day to attend depends on the vibe you seek. Sunday offers a family-friendly experience with celebrations suitable for all ages, while Monday is more of a party atmosphere with larger crowds and less family participation. However, both days feature afterparties throughout the city, extending the celebration well into the night.
Do I Need a Ticket?
The Carnival parade is free for anyone to attend, and everyone is welcome. However, those wishing to participate in the parade must be part of an authorized group or pay to join the procession.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation around west London is available, with prices ranging from £110 a night to £400. While higher rates may apply in this area, the proximity to the event can be a significant advantage. Also, consider booking accommodations in advance, as options can fill up quickly during Carnival.
After-Party Options
After the event ends, the city offers numerous night-out options connected to the Carnival. It is advisable to get a ticket to events in advance, as prices may increase, and venues often sell out as the date approaches.
What’s New at Notting Hill Carnival 2022?
This year’s festival is greening up, featuring its first-ever eco-friendly electric float. The initiative, trialed successfully at previous festivals, aims to make Notting Hill Carnival a greener event, with plans to replace original petrol and diesel float trucks with these environmentally friendly alternatives.
Essential Tips for First-Timers
For all attendees, especially first-timers, it’s vital to bring cash for drinks, food, and even some vendor stalls. Given the potential for scorching temperatures, sunscreen and plenty of water are crucial; attendees are welcome to bring bags and large water bottles. Familiarizing yourself with the parade route and establishing a meeting point with friends in advance can greatly enhance your experience. Most importantly, getting into the carnival spirit and enjoying this vibrant community event is key!
