Saturday 23 August – Panorama
Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park, W10 3DH, 16:00–23:00
Carnival celebrations kick off on Saturday with the UK National Panorama Steel Band Competition – now including a junior category for the first time. Expect ten-minute steel band performances, Caribbean food, and sunset vibes. Tickets from £7.55.
Sunday 24 August 2025 – Family Day
J’Ouvert – 06:00–09:00 (starting at Sainsbury’s, Canal Way roundabout)
The opening celebration where participants cover each other in paint, powder and chocolate, soundtracked by steel bands and the pulse of soca. It’s raw, unfiltered, and deeply rooted in Caribbean tradition.
Official Opening Ceremony – 10:00–10:30
Traditionally led by local residents, organisers, and friends of Carnival, this year’s ceremony will open the judging zone grandstand to the public for the first time, giving everyone a front-row seat to see the bands up close.
Children’s Day Parade Route
Sunday is all about family. Expect the next generation to carry the Carnival baton, dancing in the streets in handcrafted costumes.
Dutty Mas Parade Route
A messier take on J’Ouvert for those who don’t mind being splashed with paint, powder, or even melted chocolate.
Mas Bands – All Day
Mas bands will keep the road alive from start to finish, winding through the route with floats, dancers, and costumes that have been in the making all year. You can catch them at different points throughout the day.
Sound Systems – 12:00–19:00
Perfect if you’d rather stay in one place. While sound systems are deeply rooted in Jamaica’s reggae culture, these sound systems will be offering every genre imaginable.
Live Stages – 12:00 -19:00
Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park, W10 5DH
Powis Square Stage – Produced by Alvaro Barrington, W11 2AY
Monday 25 August 2025 – Adults’ Parade
Adult’s Parade from 09:30
The most intense day of Carnival, where Mas bands reveal the costumes they’ve been preparing all year. Whether you’re in a band, wearing your own design, or just joining the crowd, follow the music, find a horn, and dance as the floats pass by.
Mas Bands – All Day
Just like Sunday, Mas bands will be moving throughout the day, so you can spot them at various points along the route.
Sound Systems & Live Stages – 12:00–19:00
Keep the vibe going with music across genres at sound system spots and live stages at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park, W10 5DH & Powis Square Stage – Produced by Alvaro Barrington, W11 2AY
