Notting Hill Carnival

I was at the 2005 carnival - alone! Well, I started alone but I met lots of wonderfull people. An amazing experience.

Been going to the carnival for four years now - amazing every time. This year was my first year actually being in the procession, and it adds a different perspective to the whole day. The carnival has to be one of the best weekends of the year! See you there next year!

I loved Carnival and hopefully I will go back next year. The music the floats were playing was great.

Wow - I had a great fun filled day!

Fantastic!

Definitely one bank-holiday to keep free ! Had a fabulous day. Atmosphere was fantastic! Danced till I was knackered ! Recommend coming early to avoid the crowds . Also, stay hydrated !

I'm from California and my boyfriend and I vacationed in the BEAUTIFUL London! I had an amazing time at CARNIVAL. It was peaceful with great energy, food and beautiful people everywhere. I think next time I'll keep the (sand) at the beach in California : )

This was my second year at Nottinghill and this year the carnival was even better. The drink flows freely and everyone has a great time. Easily the best weekend of the entire year!



Make sure your there next year

My partner and I went to the carnival on Sunday - bank holiday weekend and had loads of fun. The heat wave brought about a more sizzling atmosphere and all the colourful costumes, dancing and music just added (to the already lovely) atmosphere. It was our first time at the carnival and though crowded, we enjoyed and had a great time.

This year I think the event attracted a record number of people. However, I was quite dissapointed. It is very overrated and disorganised. The costumes are not good at all, there were floats that were totally uninteresing and the feeling is that the revellers were just there for another street affair. Hooliganism also seemed to be the order of the day, especially when the croud thickened in the later parts of the second day. I have to give the police a big thumbs up for managing a croud of that size, as I felt very comfortable knowing that there was a heavy police presence.

I'm a Londoner and have been going since 1976. It's got better since a bad year in 2001.



For first timers get a map go to Norman Jay good times, drink red stripe, follow a steel pan float for at least 1 hour and buy a whistle.



Looking forward to 2005 since we should be in the middle of a heatwave.

Carnival was HEAVY this year!! Nothing new to me as I go every year and its just getting better and better each year but yeah I would recommend it to everyone to go.

Plan to spend as much time as you can. Once you get there you definitely won't want to leave!

I've been to the carnival for the past 5 years and loved each one! You have to pick up a map and follow the route in order to see all the fantastic floats and costumes, which get better each year. Part of the real experience with the carnival is that everyone is happy, enjoying the music and atmosphere together, side by side, no matter what colour, religion, background. My favourite part of carnival is the amazing food, try jerk chicken, rice & peas, sugar cane and definitely try a run punch! A must see for August Bank Holiday in London!!

Would hardly call it a carnival. Street party maybe. Like most people living in London, just another excuse to party outdoors in the coveted warm weather. Many do make an effort and come up with some fantastic costumes. But overall ambience is mediocre with many lost walking around with drinks in hand wondering where the actual carnival is taking place.

This year was my first Notting Hill Carnival and I have to say it rapidly shot to the top of my "most favourite weekend EVER list!". I went to both the Sunday (family day) and the Monday and I absolutely loved every minute of it!



The floats, the vibe, the mix of people, and dear, sweet jesus, the music. If you're up for something eclectic, and you’re from somewhere where outdoor street festivals aren't the way of life then you'll love this festival!



I'm already counting the days till next years

I love Carnival and I go every year. The music is always great, the floats are impressive and the food is to die for. Let's face it, it's the only time you'll see a policeman dancing with a scantily clad woman while on duty! If you haven't been go, try it, if you don't like at least you've experienced it! Roll on Carnival 2005!

I wasn't up for going with my family to begin with, cause I thought it would be a complete blow out to be honest. But after going and seeing what it’s about I’ll definitely go next year, I’m looking forward to it already! The music on the floats was amazing as well as all the people who participated! Especially the SAGA BOYS and KILLA KELLA float, they were really getting the crowd going! Yeah I do agree, it was a bit disorganized, and the floats had to keep stopping but what can I say, besides that it was truly amazing.

Although I do agree with Punkaj that the Carnival is disorganized, it is a great event but I would advise anyone who wants to go to research what they want to see, and follow those floats. Nottinghill Carnival can be dangerous, so watch your wallet and stay on the beaten path, and don't bother with the Radio 1 Arena which is rubbish. There is some excellent Carribean food to be had and to be honest that's what I tend to do all day.

Possibly one of the most over-rated events that takes place in London. While the costumes are great and lots of people make a huge effort the whole thing just tends to feel really badly organised. While some would argue that that is the beauty of the event, sadly I don't see that. If the weather is good and you have never been before then it is worth going and deciding for yourself.