Notting Hill Carnival 2012

Since Notting Hill Carnival debuted in 1964, the event has undoubtedly grown and morphed, attracting ever more revellers with its spectacle of floats featuring calypso, mas and pan bands as well as a series of soundsystems for alfresco dancing. For 2012, organisers have ambitious plans to further up the scale of the event in west London, perhaps even extending it beyond the traditional Sunday and Monday of the August bank- holiday weekend. Whatever they decide, you can be sure of dense crowds and a vibrant celebration of music, movement and masquerade together with Caribbean food stalls serving up jerk chicken and fried plantain. Ordinarily, the more family-friendly Sunday is the best day to bring children to the Carnival, with the main parade on Monday normally winding a path from Great Western Road, along Chepstow Road and Westbourne Grove to Ladbroke Grove. It's worth noting that Ladbroke Grove station is usually closed on both days, with other stations in the area permitting exit only -check www.tfl.gov.uk/journeyplanner nearer the time.

Read our extensive Notting Hill Carnival guide at www.timeout.com/nottinghillcarnival