Image from http://www.thenottinghillcarnival.com/
Oh, who am I kidding. What else could I possibly highlight about Notting Hill today but the impending Carnival. This is essentially the sole feature to be had in the neighbourhood this weekend anyway. Be a part of it, enjoy it, leave it with a strong desire to live in Notting Hill, then call us to schedule an appointment to view your new Notting Hill flat. So simple!
Image from http://www.thenottinghillcarnival.com/
It’s Notting Hill Carnival! At the risk of being redundant with our earlier post, we would be remiss not to comment on this grand fete going into the weekend of its occurrence. This is just one of those events that makes me give a double-take to the Notting Hill neighbourhood. Just when you might fear it will become too gentrified to appease tourists, its diverse background rears its head and strikes out with a lashing of eccentric, multicultural festivities to remind us of the Caribbean demographic that once dominated these streets and celebrate the general joy and debauchery of life. This is a time when Notting Hill really lets its hair down and decks itself out in color and glitter, entertaining the masses with vibrant costumes and ethnic music and cuisine. Sunday is Kid’s Day, which will appeal to you if you’re looking for a lower-key experience of Carnival; otherwise, if you’re ready to swim in the sea of parade-watchers, mark down the bank holiday Monday in your diary.
If you come to the area this weekend, commit to the Carnival experience–your other favourite shops and eateries will likely be closed if not boarded up to brace against the onslaught. Cheers to those of you moving to the neighbourhood this week–what better way to kick off your new tenancy! If you’re looking to move to the area after things settle down a bit and you can actually view the buildings, Notting Hill Properties will have braved the eclectic storm and still be here for your call!
The Carnival Floats are a Must-See
The largest street carnival in Europe originated in 1964 as a means for Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures and traditions. Taking place every August Bank Holiday weekend in the streets of London W11, it is a dazzling display of both social solidarity and artistic expression (not forgetting some stunning costumes).
At the roots of Notting Hill are the Caribbean carnivals of the early 19th century. The very first carnival was an attempt to showcase the steel band musicians who played at the Coleherne pub in Earls Court every Sunday. Carnival usually gets under way on the Saturday with the steel band competition. Sunday is Kids’ Day, when the costume prizes are awarded. On Bank Holiday Monday, the main parade takes place. It generally begins on Great Western Road, then wends it way along Chepstow Road, on to Westbourne Grove, and then Ladbroke Grove.
So come along this year and bring a healthy appetite along to Carnival, as there are patties, curries, jerk chicken and fried plantain from the street stalls to go at, accompanied by the essential lubrications – Jamaican Red Stripe beer and rum punch.
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