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It’s almost the August bank holiday, which means Notting Hill Carnival is right round the corner. For two-and-a-bit days west London will be taken over will steel drum bands, booming sound systems, feather-clad dancers and thousands of punters.
You’re probably already planning your colourful outfit and stocking up on Red Stripe, but want to be really organised? Here’s the full schedule for the whole weekend, so you don’t have to miss a minute of the action.
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🎶 Time Out’s ultimate guide to 2025 Notting Hill Carnival.
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Saturday August 23
- UK National Panorama Steel Band Competition, Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park – 4pm-11pm
Sunday August 24 (family day)
- J’ouvert, starting at Sainsbury’s by Canal Way Roundabout – 6am-9am
- Official opening ceremony, Great Western Road – 10am-10.30am
- Children’s day parade, Great Western Road – 10.30am-5pm
- Dutty/Fun Mas, parade route – TBC
- Sound systems, various locations – 12pm-7pm
- Live stages, Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park and Powis Square – 12pm-7pm
Monday August 25 (adult’s day)
- Adult’s parade, Great Western Road – 10.30am-5pm
- Sound systems, various locations – 12pm-7pm
- Live stages, Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park and Powis Square – 12pm-7pm
What time does the carnival finish each day?
All the music finishes at 7pm on both Sunday and Monday of the carnival. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of afterparties to choose from.
Do you have to pay to attend Notting Hill Carnival?
No, the parade and sound systems are totally free and don’t require a ticket. Just show up and have a good time. However, for the first time this year the judging zone has opened to the public, with tickets available for the grandstand online. This means you can watch the parade from the comfort of a seat, and have access to toilets.
There have been concerns recently voiced by politicians about the future funding and the capacity of the event, with some calling for it to be ticketed in the future.
Time Out’s ultimate guide to Notting Hill Carnival 2025.
Notting Hill Carnival interactive route map.
The best Notting Hill Carnival sound systems for 2025.
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