Notting Hill Carnival is back for 2023 as it marks its 55th anniversary. This year’s festivities also observes the 75th anniversary of the arrival in London of the HMT Empire Windrush-the ship that carried people of the Caribbean to London to aid the UK in its rebuilding after World War II.
Known as Europe’s largest street party, Notting Hill Carnival is set to kickoff on the Bank Holiday starting 26 August and run for the duration of the weekend, including Monday. It will host some two million people this year, as revellers descend on the UK’s capitol to take part in what is widely regarded as one of the most exciting celebrations of British African Caribbean and Indo-Caribbean cultures in the world. Influenced by various other festivals seen the world over, Carnival pays tribute to Caribbean and African diaspora cultures.
Notting Hill Carnival: Windrush-themed bus to run to mark 75th anniversary https://t.co/VZxSUR5ahZ
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) August 26, 2023
This year’s event will feature a three mile long parade that will feature music, dance and steel bands. The chief executive of the carnival, Matthew Phillip has spoken of his confidence that this year’s celebration will be another amazing occasion, while London’s mayor Sadiq Kahn said, “Carnival is the embodiment of our city’s highest ideals, of how London’s diversity is not a weakness to be tolerated grudgingly, but a strength to be celebrated proudly. As a mayor of all Londoners, I will always do whatever I can to ensure this celebration of culture, identity and freedom continues to thrive.”
Notting Hill Carnival CEO Matthew Phillip ,who is entering his sixth year in the position, says ‘the eyes of the world are on us’. Will you be going this year?#NottingHillCarnival pic.twitter.com/3D0PssyxRw — London Live (@LondonLive) August 25, 2023
On Saturday in Emslie Horniman’s Park, the UK’s biggest steel pan competition and the UK national panorama Steel Band competition took place where performers played 10 minute compositions completely by memory. The carnival truly gets underway on Sunday however, with the opening ceremony in the morning, followed by the Children’s Parade, Adult’s Dutty/Fun Mas paint mayhem and then Sound Systems to close out the day.
On Monday, the day begins with the Adult’s Day Parade and will also feature Sound Systems, food stalls and live stages. This year’s live stages will feature performances at Soca City from 12pm-7pm and Powis Square Stage from 12pm-7pm. Often leaving acts until the last minute to ramp up excitement, this year’s confirmed performers include Shaggy who shot to fame in the 1990’s pop music scene.
.@MayorofLondon looks ahead to the world-renowned #NottingHillCarnival this weekend in today’s @EveningStandard https://t.co/F9pngTwwnr
— Mayor’s Press Office (@LDN_pressoffice) August 25, 2023
Began in 1966 by Rhuane Laslett , Notting Hill Carnival was conceived as a result of rising racial relations and attacks throughout the UK. Intended as a diverse celebration, Notting Hill Carnival’s main aim was to promote cultural unity.
The carnival is mostly free entry with certain events requiring a ticket and is located in the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
