Your Guide to Notting Hill Carnival

Understanding Carnival

To truly enjoy Carnival, it helps to understand why we celebrate it. While the event welcomes participants from all cultures, its history is rooted in the Caribbean experience. Carnival is far more than costumes and parades—it’s a celebration of Caribbean heritage and resilience. Notting Hill Carnival was established in 1966, following the 1958 race riots in West London, when the Caribbean community protested the mistreatment of their people. Over the years, it has grown into one of the world’s largest street parades, celebrating freedom, community, and culture.

When to go

Notting Hill Carnival takes place every August bank holiday weekend. If it’s your first time in London and you’re traveling from afar, I recommend spending at least a week. This gives you time to enjoy the city, attend Carnival parties (fêtes), collect your costume, and take part in the two main days of Carnival:

• Dutty Mas (Carnival Sunday): A free-spirited celebration where participants cover themselves in paint, mud, oil, powder, or chocolate to honor Caribbean traditions and freedom.

• Pretty Mas (Carnival Monday): The main parade, where you’ll wear your elaborate costume and join a Mas band on the road.

Where to stay

I always stay in the Notting Hill/Kensington area. It’s the most convenient for getting back after the parades and for soaking in the Carnival atmosphere. You’ll want walkable access to the parade route and to avoid road closures that affect traffic during the event.

How to experience Carnival

The best way to enjoy Notting Hill Carnival is to join a Mas (masquerade) band—this is also known as “playing Mas.”

What is a Mas band?

Mas bands trace back to 18th-century Caribbean traditions, when enslaved Africans in Trinidad adapted European masquerades into celebrations featuring African rhythms, storytelling, and characters. Today, Mas bands organize the parade experience, providing:

• Costumes based on unique themes

• Groups of participants (masqueraders) to dance to soca and calypso music

• Inclusive packages with costumes, food, drinks, restrooms, and security

You’ll typically need two costumes for the two days: one for Dutty Mas and another for Pretty Mas. Once you select a band, you can register online, choose your costume and size, and set up a payment plan.

Recommended Mas bands

Dutty Mas (Carnival Sunday)

• Island Mas: Perfect for experiencing Jab Jab, a Grenadian Carnival tradition. Known for its lively atmosphere and close-knit community vibe.

• Chocolate Nation: High-energy band incorporating chocolate, a tradition from Trinidad celebrating transformation and freedom.

• United Colours of Mas (UCOM): My personal favorite for both Dutty Mas and Pretty Mas. Incredible energy with paint and powder, plus an amazing sound system.

Pretty Mas (Carnival Monday)

• United Colours of Mas (UCOM): Excellent costume selection and a premium road experience.

• Reign Mas Band: A newer band with beautiful costume designs, a large following, and VIP road experience.

• Island Mas: High-energy road experience with beautiful costumes and a welcoming vibe.

• Caribbean Sessions: Family-run band blending traditions from multiple Caribbean islands with a modern twist.

Carnival for kids

For families, there’s a Kiddies Mas on the Sunday morning before Dutty Mas. My recommended bands:

• Carnival Revellers: Family-friendly, launched in 2025 with colorful costumes and a fun atmosphere.

• Caribbean Sessions: Offers a Kiddies band that mirrors their adult experience with a great family vibe.

Parties & fêtes

In the lead-up to Carival, there will be fêtes (pre-parties) that are an essential part of the experience. Each year a fête calendar is released, and here are some top picks:

• Rebel: Epic Jouvert party to kick off Carnival.

• Rukatuk: Famous Carnival Saturday boat ride.

• Remedy Events: Boat ride on Carnival Thursday or Friday.

• Olympia London: All-inclusive fête in late August leading up to Carnival.

Carnival services

To make the most of your Notting Hill Carnival experience, there are several locally owned services I highly recommend. These businesses specialize in everything from costume accessories and bespoke jewelry to makeup, fitness, and convenience services helping you fully enjoy your experience.

• Goddess Goblets, Queen Cups & Baddie Boots: Perfect if you want blinged-out footwear custom-made to match your costume, as well as bespoke rhinestone cups and accessories for Carnival.

• Goddess Glam Lounge: The go-to service for premium glam makeup for Notting Hill Carnival. I’ve used them multiple times and love both the on-the-day service and the pre-event communication to design your makeup look. They operate out of the Hilton London Kensington.

• Rock It With Rho: A fantastic community for getting in shape before Carnival. They offer online classes if you’re outside London. I personally enjoyed the waistline workouts and stretch classes, fun ways to meet other masqueraders and prepare your body. They also offer private coaching with custom programs and meal plans.

• Carnival Concierge UK: Ideal for anyone who wants costume delivery, so you don’t have to pick up your costume in person.

• We Are One Paradise: Offers Caribbean apparel and custom jewelry, plus cultural events to help you get into the Carnival spirit.

• Shades Worldwide: My go-to choice for Carnival tights, available in multiple styles and shades.

• Masquerade Arcade: Provides secure storage for your bags while you’re taking part in the parade.

Experiencing Notting Hill Carnival is truly something special. If you want personalized travel planning for Carnival and London, be sure to get in contact.

• Hydrate and pace yourself: The parades are full-on! You’ll be dancing and walking a lot. Carry water and plan breaks so you can enjoy both days of Carnival without feeling exhausted.

• Wear comfortable shoes: Even if your costume is stunning, you’ll be on your feet for hours. Think supportive shoes, boots, and insoles that still match your costume vibe. The Baddie Boots mentioned in this article are super comfortable!

• Protect your hair: On Dutty Mas make sure to cover your hair properly! I use a plastic shower cap and then wrap it in cloth!

• Use baby oil: Applying baby oil to your skin before Dutty Mas helps the paint, mud, and powder come off easily afterward. Trust me, it makes cleanup so much easier!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our London page.