Notting Hill Carnival 2025 – the Caribbean heart of London

Programme of Notting Hill Carnival 2025

Three days of the festival will bring together music, dance, and hundreds of thousands of spectators:

• 23 August (Saturday) – The UK National Panorama Steelband Competition, featuring the country’s leading steel bands. Start time: 16:00, venue: Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park London, W10 3DH.
• 24 August (Sunday) – Family Day: children’s parade, the traditional J’ouvert with vibrant paints, street stages, and music for all ages. J’ouvert will start near the Canal Way roundabout. The main ceremony will begin at around 10:00–10:30 on Great Western Road.

• 25 August (Monday) – Adult Parade, starting at 10:30. This is the grand finale, with large-scale costumed shows, mas band orchestras, dozens of sound systems, and dancing troupes. The programme for the final day of Notting Hill Carnival includes:

  • Live Stages (TBC), 12:00–19:00, Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance;
  • Powis Square Stage, 12:00–19:00, Powis Square, W11 2AY.

Entry to the carnival in Notting Hill is free, but this year organisers are introducing a new feature – the Judging Zone grandstand. These stands offer a much better view of the performances. Access to the new grandstands is ticketed, with tickets available at ticketsource.co.uk.

Details are based on the official website

Locations and routes

The main events will take place on the streets of the Notting Hill area (W10 and W11) and neighbouring districts, including Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Grove, Westbourne Park, and Kensal Road. Pleasance Park London will serve as a key starting point and music venue. Parade routes will be available on the official Notting Hill Carnival website – see the carnival map.

Visitor tips

The days of the carnival in Notting Hill – and the days leading up to it – place a heavy load on London’s transport infrastructure. Therefore:

• If you are arriving from other cities or abroad, consider booking an airport transfer to Notting Hill Carnival in advance. London Airport Transfers offers chauffeur-driven services from Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Luton, and Stansted airports.
• Plan which days, routes, and specific festival locations you want to visit. This will help you stay on track and move easily between different event sites.
• If you want to enjoy concert performances and steel bands, it’s best to secure a spot early in Pleasance Park, where part of the music programme is concentrated.
• Be aware of public transport restrictions – some London Underground stations may be closed during the parades. The nearest stations to the carnival in Notting Hill include Shepherd’s Bush, Queen’s Park, Paddington, High Street Kensington, and Bayswater.
• The weather forecast for the Notting Hill Carnival period promises warm, sunny days. Regular visitors recommend bringing a bottle of water, even though there are plenty of cafés and rest areas.

History and cultural significance of Notting Hill Carnival

The first carnival was organised in 1966 as a response to racial tensions and a desire to unite local communities. That first event brought together about 500 participants. Over the years, Notting Hill Carnival has grown into Europe’s largest street festival. For decades, Pleasance Park London has been one of its key venues, where crowds gather to hear the UK’s best steel bands. In recent years, the festival has attracted hundreds of thousands of spectators and tens of thousands of costumed participants (in 2025, more than 45,000 are expected). This 60th edition has become a vivid symbol of London’s multiculturalism and a place where music, dance, and friendship transcend boundaries.

Private chauffeur for Notting Hill Carnival guests

Button Book Chauffeur Service Today!

For those looking for an airport transfer to Notting Hill Carnival from Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Luton, or Stansted airports, a private chauffeur service is the most convenient solution. A professional driver will meet you at the terminal, assist with your luggage, and take you directly to your accommodation or to Notting Hill.

By booking with London Airport Transfers, visitors can reach key carnival locations, such as Pleasance Park London, more quickly. Chauffeur Services are especially useful during the festival, when public transport is overcrowded and not always practical for travelling with luggage or in a group.

Choose Your Chauffeur Driven Car

MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS

Passengers: 2

Cabin Luggage: 2 or Medium-size luggage 2

Hourly rate £ 78/h Minimum 10 hours

Single journeys:

Heathrow Airport - Central London £156

Biggin Hill Airport - Central London £220

MERCEDES-BENZ E CLASS

Passengers: 2 / 3

Cabin Luggage: 3 or Medium-size luggage 2

Hourly rate £ 55/h Minimum 5 hours

Single journeys:

Heathrow Airport - Central London £105

Gatwick Airport - Central London £138

MERCEDES-BENZ V CLASS

Passengers: 6 / 7

Cabin Luggage: 12 or Medium-size luggage 7

Hourly rate £ 78/h Minimum 10 hours

Single journeys:

Heathrow Airport - Central London £156

London City Airport - Central London £156

Notting Hill Carnival 2025 is an event not to be missed. It brings together people, cultures, and traditions, turning West London into a huge celebration space. If you want to feel the rhythm of the Caribbean in the heart of the capital, the August bank holiday weekend in Notting Hill is the perfect time to visit.