Every year over a million people flock to the streets of Notting Hill to gaze at the floats, shake their battys to massive sound systems and soak up the true flavours of the West Indies. Carnival has been held over the same weekend every year since 1966. Originally a local affair for West London’s homesick Caribbean community, it has evolved into Europe's biggest street party.
Sunday is traditionally Children's Day with the party really taking off on the Monday. All five disciplines of carnival; Mas (costume), Steelband, Calypso, Soca and Static Sound Systems, are celebrated in this two day musical extravaganza. Check out the excellent Studio 1, Sancho Panza and Good Times sound systems or buy a map and scour it for a chance to catch some big names playing for free. Carnival sets London on fire in a blaze of Caribbean spirit.