Once a year the streets of W11 come alive with all the sights and sounds of carnival. Over the August bank holiday weekend one million people are expected at Europe's biggest street party - the Notting Hill Carnival. The event, now in it's 49th year, promises to be a riot of colour, beats and afro-carribean tastes. Expect a sensory overload from the minute you arrive.
Here's everything you need to know about getting around and what not to miss.
The history
Originating in 1964, Notting Hill Carnival was a way for Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures and traditions. It now takes place every August bank holiday weekend as an array of music, processions and social solidarity.
Carnival highlights
What's on: Sunday 30th August
Jouvert procession 6am - 9am
A colourful start to the carnival festivities. A time to get adventurous or just to dress in a comical or carnivalesque outfit. Jouvert allows music lovers to jive along the streets to African drums or steel bands.
Children's Day 10am - 8.30pm
Sunday is family day for the carnival. An Exhuberant Parade for Children will wind it's way along the carnival route with 38 sound systems playing music style from across the world with stage performances dotted around the carnival.
What's on: Monday 31st August
Monday Parade / Grand Finale 10am - 8.30pm
The grand finale showcases a sea of vibrant colours as 60 bands in magnificent costumes dance to the tantalising rhythms of the mobile sound systems or steel bands. Enjoy the magnificent continuation of vocals on the “World Music Stage” at Powis Square.
Roads and public transport in west London will be very busy on August Bank Holiday weekend.
Road users
There will be extensive road closures during the carnival in Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park.
http://www.itv.com/news/london/2015-08-28/your-full-guide-to-notting-hill-carnival/It's amazing fun every year. Though I'll be missing it this year, the Tall Ships are in harbor at Woolwich - taking the grandkids to see them instead.
