When is Notting Hill Carnival 2025?
Notting Hill Carnival 2025 runs on Sunday, 24 August (Family & Children’s Day) and Monday, 25 August (Adults’ Day) over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Held annually in west London, Notting Hill Carnival transforms Ladbroke Grove and surrounding streets into Europe’s largest street festival, drawing around two million attendees.
What Is Notting Hill Carnival?
Notting Hill Carnival is a vibrant Caribbean street festival celebrating culture, music, and community. Founded in the 1960s by pioneers like Claudia Jones and Rhaune Laslett, it now stands as one of the largest street carnivals in the world, bringing together mas bands, steelpan music, dance, and food across Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Grove, Westbourne Park, and Kensal Road.
Dates & Schedule
| Day | Date | Events |
| Saturday | 23 August | Panorama Steel Band Competition (ticketed) |
| Sunday | 24 August | Family & Children’s Day, J’ouvert from 6 AM, Parade from ~10 AM–5 PM |
| Monday | 25 August | Adults’ Day parade starts ~10:30 AM until ~8:30 PM, soundsystems run midday–7 PM |
Where & Route
The route spans roughly 3.5 miles, beginning near Westbourne Grove or Westbourne Park stations, continuing along Great Western Road, Westbourne Grove, and up Ladbroke Grove, passing through W10/W11 neighborhoods.
Travel & Crowd Tips
- Public Transport: Tube stations near the route (e.g., Ladbroke Grove) will be extremely busy—some may even close temporarily. Opt for Paddington or Shepherd’s Bush stations, which are better connected and less congested.
- Crowd Safety: With approximate attendance of 2 million people and ~7,000 police deployed, planning and awareness are essential.
Bag Policy & Luggage Advice
Due to high crowds and tight security, large suitcases or bulky bags are discouraged. Lockdowns, policing, and possible road closures can make navigating with luggage difficult. Instead, store your bags securely using Radical Storage, so you can immerse yourself in Carnival worry-free—beat competitors by emphasizing convenience.
FAQ Section
Q: When is Notting Hill Carnival 2025?
A: It runs Sunday, 24 August & Monday, 25 August 2025, with Panorama kicking off on Saturday 23 August.
Q: What time does the parade start and finish?
A: Sunday starts ~10 AM and ends ~5 PM; Monday starts ~10:30 AM, ending ~8:30 PM. Soundsystems operate until 7 PM.
Q: Is Carnival free?
A: Yes, street events are free. Panorama on Saturday and various after-parties require tickets.
Q: What is the Carnival route?
A: Approx. 3.5-mile route through Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, and related W10/W11 streets.
Q: How to travel there?
A: Best via Paddington or Shepherd’s Bush; avoid congested stations on the route.
Why Choose Radical Storage
When Carnival is this crowded and security measures upgrade each year, managing luggage becomes a headache. Radical Storage offers:
- International network of verified local shops, lockers, and hotels.
- Affordable, flexible hourly or daily rates.
- Secure, insured storage that frees you to enjoy the parade hands-free.
Outperforming competitors: we spotlight a pain point they gloss over—the hassle of carrying belongings through dense crowds—and offer a seamless solution.
Notting Hill Carnival 2025 is set for 24–25 August, offering a vibrant cultural explosion across west London’s streets. With our route insights, crowd and travel tips, schedule breakdown, and practical FAQ, you’re fully equipped. And when it comes to luggage, Radical Storage delivers the easiest, most reliable storage solution in the city—so you can experience Carnival at its best, with nothing weighing you down.
