Ten Lifestyle

Notting Hill, London

Since its first, tentative incarnation in St Pancras Town Hall back in 1965, what is now the Notting Hill Carnival has bloomed into a full-on explosion of Afro-Caribbean culture, complete with 20 miles of larger-than-life costumes, zesty parades and electrifying dancing. The crowds of shindiggers have been known to reach the 2 million mark, making this Europes's biggest festival of its kind, and second in the world only to its inspiration – the mammoth annual carnival held in Trinidad and Tobago. Indeed, it’s the resident 'Trini' population who lead the proceedings here after starting the festival in response to the poor race relations of the 1950s. And quite a response it is, too.

As well as the parading bands beating out calypso and soca rhythms, the streets are filled with steel bands and static sound systems with DJs booming out hip hop, R&B, reggae, garage, dub and Latin grooves. Meanwhile, hundreds of food stalls ensure the assault on the senses includes the aromas of jerk chicken, rice and peas, patties and fried plantain, along with bucketfuls of rum punch.

Whether you're a regular carnival-goer or thinking of attending for the first time this year, our tips on the Carnival will ensure that you have an utterly brilliant time. We can recommend the best pubs and bars along the carnival route, give you a rundown of what's happening where and when so you can be in the right place at the right time, and and do our best to get you into the most sought-after after parties.