Street Parties Events - Notting Hill Carnival

Every August Bank Holiday the Notting Hill Carnival brings Ladbroke Grove alive. The festival began as West Indian immigrants moved into the area during the fifties and is now one of the best carnivals in the UK attracting over a million people each year. The first carnival was in 1964, and grew up from the struggle between the black West Indian community and the police. Today the carnival celebrates the diverse cultures which make up Britain's identity.

Music at the carnival comes from sound systems playing Soca and Reggae with steel bands and Calypso. People dress in masquerade or "mas". Food and drink is served by the road site including jerk chicken, sweetcorn and pig's trotters! 

To see more photos and find out about what happens at the carnival, check out these links:

Portowebbo.co.uk - news and information about the Carnival and Notting Hill/Ladbroke Grove Area

BBC Carnival Videos 2000 - find out what went on last year

The carnival is free and lasts for three days over the Bank Holiday.