Before you don your sequins and feathers at Notting Hill Carnival this bank holiday weekend, we thought we’d give you the insider facts on London’s biggest yearly street party.
1. Notting Hill Carnival began as far back as 1959 as a small event initially named the Caribbean Carnival, which was a celebration of Caribbean culture in London.
2. It was organised by Trinidadian-born journalist Claudia Jones, who wanted to replicate and celebrate colourful Trinidad Carnival – which has been going in some form since the late-18th century.
3. Notting Hill Carnival as we know it today was organised by activist Rhaune Laslett in 1966. It was intended to bring different people and cultures from the local community together.
4. Although, it was more of a low key event in those days, designed to replicate a fete rather than a full on street party.
5. Traditionally, the event includes steelpan bands, Soca – or calypso – music and plenty of bedazzling costumes.
6. While other carnivals around the world take place before the start of Lent in the Christian calendar, London is a bit too cold for a celebration in February – which is why it was decided it would be held during the warmer summer months.
7. 2017 will be the 51st year of the original Notting Hill Carnival.
8. Notting Hill Carnival is now the second largest carnival in the world behind Rio de Janeiro’s Carnaval.
9. And over the weekend, Notting Hill’s streets can expect to see over 1 million people each day dancing and drinking their way up, down and around Ladbroke Grove.
10. This year there will be 37 sound systems keeping the crowds going with their carnival sounds, with everything from reggae, to soul, to dancehall along the lively route.
11. As well as over 15,000 performers in the parades…
12. …that follow a route that is 3.5 miles long!
13. Each troupe at the carnival is known collectively as a mas band – or masquerade band.
14. Which harks back to the carnival tradition of dressing up in costumes designed to replicate and satirise masquerade and ball attire that was worn at pre-Lent celebrations in the 18th century.
15. This year 300 food stalls will keep revellers’ bellies full with traditional West Indian cuisine, including plenty of jerk chicken.
16. And watch out for the float that pours melted chocolate over people…
17. Before most of us have even risen out of bed for the impending fun on Sunday, there’s the more traditional J’ouvert – or carnival opening – that sees revellers covering themselves in paint, mud and anything remotely messy.
18. This Caribbean tradition is symbolic of the emancipation of slavery and is an important celebration that reminds us what carnival is all about.
19. Pink Floyd once performed at Notting Hill Carnival when the band were just starting out.
20. And the event even has its own iPhone app and Android app, so that you know exactly where a portaloo is when you’re caught short!
Discover more...
While most local businesses close for the weekend in the carnival area, make sure you check out the best places to eat, drink and shop in Notting Hill once the party is over.
