Notting Hill Carnival 2026 is in full swing across West London today, Sunday, August 30, with the Childrenâs Day Parade starting at 10.30am as Europeâs biggest street festival celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Sunday features Jâouvert, childrenâs Mas bands, Dutty Mas and sound systems before the larger Adults Day celebrations on Bank Holiday Monday. Visitors should expect huge crowds, Tube restrictions and widespread road closures around Notting Hill.
What time does Notting Hill Carnival start today?
Carnival began early with Jâouvert from 6am to 9am, starting near Sainsburyâs at Canal Way Roundabout.
The official opening ceremony runs from 10am to 10.30am at the Mas Judging Point on Great Western Road, followed by the Childrenâs Day Parade.
- 6amâ9am: Jâouvert
- 10amâ10.30am: Opening Ceremony
- 10.30amâ5pm: Childrenâs Day Parade and Carnival
- 10.30amâ8.30pm: Adultsâ Dutty Mas
- 12pmâ7pm: Sound systems
- 3pm: 72-second Moment of Reflection
- 8.30pm onwards: Judging Zone
The latest timings can be checked on the official Notting Hill Carnival schedule.
Where does the Notting Hill Carnival parade go?
Carnival spreads across Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park rather than taking place at a single venue.
The established parade circuit runs through areas around Great Western Road, Westbourne Grove, Ladbroke Grove, Kensal Road and Golborne Road. Great Western Road includes the Mas Judging Zone, where bands present their costumes and performances.
With large crowds expected, choosing a viewing area can be easier than trying to follow the parade around the entire circuit.
What is happening at Carnival today?
Sunday is Families and Childrenâs Day, with young masqueraders taking a central role in the parade.
Adultsâ Dutty Mas also runs through the day, while sound systems operate from noon until 7pm. Visitors can expect steelpan, Mas, Caribbean food and music including soca, reggae, calypso and dancehall.
The main street Carnival is free to attend. No general admission ticket is needed to watch the parade, although some separate experiences and reserved seating may require tickets.
Tube and road closures today
Transport disruption is one of the biggest issues for visitors. Ladbroke Grove station is closed, while nearby stations including Westbourne Park, Notting Hill Gate, Queensway, Royal Oak, Holland Park and Latimer Road can face entry, exit or crowd-control restrictions.
Visitors should check their journey immediately before leaving and expect to walk from outside the busiest area. Paddington can be a useful alternative for some journeys.
More than 100 roads are affected by closures and restrictions around the Carnival footprint, while buses that normally travel through the area are diverted.
People making longer Bank Holiday journeys can also check the latest Creamfields road closures and travel restrictions before setting out.
Those attending other major weekend events can find the Southport Air Show schedule and travel details, including timing information for Sundayâs programme.
What time is Notting Hill Carnival on Monday?
Monday, August 31, is Adults Day and traditionally delivers Carnivalâs biggest parade spectacle.
The Adults Day Parade starts at 10.30am and continues until 8.30pm. Sound systems operate from noon until 7pm, with adult Mas bands and elaborate costumes taking centre stage.
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Major police operation in West London
A large policing operation is in place throughout the weekend. More than 330 people have been barred from attending through bail conditions as part of efforts to prevent violence and serious crime.
Visitors should follow instructions from police and stewards, particularly where pedestrian routes or station access change because of crowding.
Why Carnival stops at 3pm
Music will pause at 3pm on Sunday and Monday for a 72-second Moment of Reflection.
The silence honours the 72 people who died in the Grenfell Tower fire, alongside Carnival community members and pioneers who have died.
Notting Hill Carnival marks 60 years
The 2026 weekend marks the 60th anniversary of the modern Notting Hill Carnival.
Organisers trace its development to 1966, when local resident and social worker Rhaune Laslett organised a childrenâs street party intended to bring together a neighbourhood affected by racial tensions and difficult housing conditions.
Over six decades, the gathering developed into a huge celebration of Caribbean culture centred on Mas, steelpan, calypso, soca, sound-system culture, dance and food.
Anyone heading to Carnival today should allow extra travel time, wear comfortable shoes, prepare for possible showers and avoid relying on the nearest Tube station. Families may prefer Sundayâs programme, while Mondayâs Adults Day is the key event for the biggest Mas bands and costume displays.
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