The line-up for Notting Hill Carnival 2025 is finally here – and one very popular event is officially back. J’Ouvert will return to the streets of West London bright and early on Sunday, August 24, with a colourful procession donning paint, oil and powder from 6am.
The much-loved street party was sorely missed when a ‘lack of official musicians’ saw it cancelled at the last minute last year. Thankfully, this is no longer the case (hooray!) and an array of bands will hype up the crowd over on Canal Way Roundabout.
However, the Carnival weekend of culture and community doesn’t start there, with a Panorama Steelpan competition giving revellers their first taste of the action in Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park on Saturday, August 23. Plus, for the first time ever, the next generation of pan talent will take part in their very own junior version.
Gates for the whole evening open at 4pm, with the young people’s competition beginning at 5pm and the main event at 8pm. Tickets must be purchased beforehand from the Carnival Village Trust – get yours here.
After Sunday’s daybreak parade, the opening ceremony will take place from 10am – 10.30am on Great Western Road. Young people in masquerade and dazzling costumes will then perform as part of the Children’s Day Parade.
Sound systems and stages will then pump out music for seven hours from 12pm. Monday, August 25 marks the peak of Notting Hill Carnival, with the main parade and non-stop tunes commencing at 10.30am.
A poignant 72-second silence will be held at 3pm on both Sunday and Monday to remember those killed in the Grenfell Tower fire. This moment of reflection will also honour Kelso Cochrane, a young Antiguan man murdered in a racially motivated attack in Notting Hill in 1959.
His death played a part in the creation of the capital’s carnival, with organisers hoping to share their culture and bridge the gap between communities. There will also be an opportunity to commemorate Takayo Nembhard and Cher Maximen, who both lost their lives to knife crime at the Carnival.
Bosses have now teamed up with the Elba Hope Foundation to hopefully reduce violent behaviour. Matthew Phillip, the CEO of Notting Hill Carnival, said: “We can’t ignore the impact of knife crime on our event.
“The tragic deaths of Takayo Nembhard and Cher Maximen broke the hearts of their friends and families as well as our communities and three years on, the family and friends of Takayo still don’t have justice. These young people didn’t lose their lives because of Carnival, Carnival is not the cause of this crisis, but it can be part of the solution…”
The Metropolitan Police is now appealing for anyone with information about groups or individuals intending to engage in violence at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival to come forward. Officers have already begun gathering intel on gangs and are seeking orders to ban those with a history of violence or sexual offending from attending.
Live facial recognition cameras and screening arches will also be in use across the bank holiday weekend.
Anyone with information regarding violent intentions is urged to contact police on 101. Anonymous reports can also be made to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111 or the charity’s website.
Stay up to date about London’s hottest events, latest restaurant openings, and best deals with our Going Out Out newsletter. Sign up HERE!
