Notting Hill Carnival 2024: What's it all about?

Notting Hill Carnival is back for another year!

Notting Hill Carnival is back for another year.

The London carnival, which has been going for more than 50 years, is one of the biggest and longest running street parties in the world.

It's an opportunity for people from the UK and beyond to come together and celebrate Caribbean heritage, arts and culture - including the music, food and dancing.

Every summer, approximately two million people attend.

The carnival always falls on the weekend of the August bank holiday each year.

This year's event takes place on Sunday 25 August - which is the day of the children's day parade - and Monday 26 August in London.

When and why did the Notting Hill Carnival start?

The first festival was held in 1966 and it was put on by Rhaune Laslett.

Rhaune, who lived in Notting Hill with her mum and dad, wanted to highlight and celebrate the diversity in her area by putting on a festival.

The first carnival drew in people from all backgrounds in the local community.

Since then the carnival has continued to grow.

Organisers today, say it's the second biggest carnival in the world, and the biggest one in Europe!

What happens at Notting Hill Carnival?

The carnival is known for being vibrant

Notting Hill Carnival is a loud, colourful and vibrant event.

There's plenty of dancing, singing and processions that take place through the streets.

The carnival happens along a route which is more than three miles long, and roads are closed on the day in the areas where it's held.

People spend months working on their colourful festival costumes, and then show them off in the huge parade.

There are huge colourful floats at Notting Hill Carnival

There are also huge floats. These are decorated platforms which are either built on a vehicle or towed by one. Floats are covered in colourful materials that stand out.

There's all kind of music for crowds to enjoy at carnival too - including steel bands, reggae and salsa artists.

And there's a lot of traditional food to choose from. There are around 240 food stalls selling things like curried goat, roti and jerk chicken. Yum!

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