Last year saw the Notting Hill Carnival stripped of its crown of “Europe’s largest street party” — an estimated 600,000 revellers gathered on the streets of West London (about half the amount of the previous year), while Zurich’s “Street Parade” dance festival attracted almost a million. So, should we all be making a break for the Bahnhofstrasse instead? Carnival organisers, unsurprisingly, disagree, noting: “Success is not dependent on the number of people who come, it depends on people enjoying themselves and having a good time.” So, that’s settled, and the carnival isn’t going anywhere, even if it has been delicately repositioned as “Europe’s premier outdoor arts and cultural event”.
This year is officially its 40th anniversary. While its roots run all the way back to 1833, when the first carnival was held in Trinidad to celebrate the abolition of slavery, its British tradition lies in the 1950s, when large numbers of West Indian immigrants began to arrive in the country, bringing with them their customs of costumed processions and music. In defiance of racial violence, the first British carnival took place in St Pancras Town Hall in 1959, and it was not until 1964 that it settled in Notting Hill. As the event has swelled over the years, while still retaining its Caribbean flavour, most now regard it as a celebration of London’s multi-cultural make-up.
Of course, if you’re a West Londoner, it really depends on your take on mega-bass, whistles and goat curry whether you throw your doors wide for a weekend-long party or board up the windows and cite an urgent appointment in the country. But whatever your tastes, the carnival is unique — the sheer mass of people can be overwhelming but, if you relax and get into the spirit of things, it would be a hard-hearted soul who couldn’t locate their inner calypso dancer. If all else fails, just get stuck into the rum punch.
SATURDAY AUGUST 28
Panorama
Check out some seriously heavy metal as steelbands from around the world, with some including as many as 75 musicians, converge to battle it out for the title of “UK Champions of Steel”.
Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park, Kensal Road, W10, 7pm, free
SUNDAY AUGUST 29
J’Ouvert
This year sees the re-introduction of J’Ouvert - the opening of the carnival. Marking the return of the event to its cultural roots, traditionalists will “chip” round part of the parade route in costume, while playing pan music.
6am, free
Advertisement
Children’s Day
If you fancy a fun family day out but are worried about losing the little ones in the crowd, then this is the day to experience the carnival. With a strong emphasis on family fun, there’s much more space in which to move but still plenty of live music and brightly coloured costumes and floats on the special (and somewhat shorter)
Children’s Day Parade. 10am, Free
MONDAY AUGUST 30
Carnival Monday
West London braces itself as the carnival reaches its colourful, rowdy climax - costumes and floats wend their way through the streets to the sound of calypso music, bass- heavy sound systems and live music stages. Up to a million people will be dancing, drinking and tucking into the international cuisine on offer, while the sound of whistles and music fills the air. Have fun! 10am-9pm, Free
TOP TIPS
Drink enough water or soft drinks to keep your fluid levels up.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Be wary of pickpockets.
Meet friends outside the carnival area, and not by stations.
It’s often quickest to walk!
CAN I BRING THE KIDS?
Yes, but take them on the Sunday - it’s not called “Children’s Day” for nothing!
BEST SOUND SYSTEMS?
It’s all one big party, with too many to mention here; visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/nottinghill04 for a full list. But here are the highlights:
Good times
No Carnival would be complete without Norman Jay and buddies getting the party going with a bang at the north end.
West Row, off Kensal Road (also see Good Times Official at Neighbourhood on Sunday night. 12 Acklam Road, W10 7pm- 12.30am, £10)
Rampage
Returning to their usual haunt of Colville Square for the whole of Sunday and Monday, with their firing blend of hip-hop, bashment and R&B.
Sancho Panza
Sancho’s Jimmy Ktel and Matt Brown have been putting on a party at the carnival every year since 1994, so head to Middle Row (off Kensal Road) on Sunday for Latin-flavoured house, and tougher beats on Monday.
After the street party, plenty of clubs will be holding carnival specials
WHICH TUBES ARE OPEN?
Ladbroke Grove Closed both days
Latimer Road Closes Sunday and Monday at 11.30pm.
Notting Hill Gate No interchange between Central and Circle/ District on Sunday or Monday, and “way out only” between noon and 7pm. On Monday, the Circle and District lines are non- stopping between noon-7.30pm.
Royal Oak “Way out only” on Sunday and Monday between 11am-6pm. Closed after 6pm.
Westbourne Park “Way out only” on Sunday and Monday, 11am-6pm. Closed after 11.30pm.
WHAT ABOUT BUSES?
Lots of extra buses are being
laid on, while two special “limited stop” services (12X and 36X) will ferry South Londoners to the carnival. Bus routes that run close are: 7, 12, 18, 23, 27, 28, 31, 36, 52, 70, 94, 148, 295, 316 and 328.
Night buses: N7, N18, N28, N31, N36, N52 and N207 will run Sun and Mon nights.
I’m going to drive - where can I park? Don’t, you won’t be able to.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
020-7222 1234 (24 hours)
www.tfl.gov.uk
POLICE AND CRIME
Crime reporting points are marked on the map, or find a police officer. LINKS
www.bbc.co.uk/london/carnival
www.mynottinghill.co.uk