Notting Hill Carnival 2025: the full schedule for this year's event
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.
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.
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The best Notting Hill Carnival sound systems for 2025.
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