Kensington and Chelsea Council has announced extensive preparations for the 60th Notting Hill Carnival, scheduled for August 30-31, 2026, including the provision of 1,000 compostable, chemical-free and waterless toilet facilities, 480 cubicles, 600 urinals, and more than 40 accessible cubicles. The council will also deploy 130 officers over the weekend, handling licensing, environmental health, and highways management.
Carnival Lineup and Logistics
Planning for each Notting Hill Carnival begins almost as soon as the previous one ends, according to the council. This year, the council has licensed 40 sound systems playing genres from reggae to Latin rave music. Around 1,000 performers will participate in the National Panorama Competition for steel bands on the Saturday night before Carnival officially starts on Sunday, August 30, with J'Ouvert, the family and children's day, and the children's parade, followed by the adults' day parade on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31.
Hundreds of businesses along Portobello Road will board up windows and close over the bank holiday weekend. Additionally, 20 elderly residents living along the parade route will be sent to the seaside from Saturday until Tuesday morning, as part of a scheme run by the council in partnership with Age UK Kensington, allowing older residents who might not otherwise have the means or ability to leave London independently to escape the carnival buzz. The destination on the South Coast has yet to be revealed.
Council and Cleanup Operations
Cllr Johnny Thalassites, lead member for resident services, planning and enforcement, said: “Everyone knows about the vibrant music, incredible costumes and delicious food that make Carnival what it is, but behind the two days of celebration is an entire year of work from our officers. While we’re welcoming visitors to our borough, we’re also thinking about licences, roads, toilets and how to clear 300 tonnes of rubbish. It might not be the most glamorous side of Carnival, but it’s a huge team effort and one we’re proud to be a part of. As Carnival celebrates its 60th anniversary, we’re proud to play our part in supporting a safe, successful and memorable weekend for residents, visitors and everyone taking part.”
Over the carnival weekend, more than 250 food and drink trader stalls will be available, offering rotis, jerk chicken, and other items. After the festivities, a cleanup operation involving 200 staff and 30 refuse vehicles will clear an estimated 300 tonnes of waste.
Travel and Station Closures
For the easiest and least crowded journey, attendees are advised to take the Tube or Elizabeth line to Paddington Station, which is a short walk from Notting Hill Carnival. Several stations will be closed during the celebrations: Ladbroke Grove will be closed all day; Latimer Road closes at 11pm; Notting Hill Gate will have no entry from 11am to 6pm; Westbourne Park will have no entry from 11am; Holland Park will have no entry from 11am to 3pm and closes at 3pm; Queensway will have no entry from 11am to 6pm and is exit only; Royal Oak will have no entry from 11am to 6pm and closes at 6pm; and Kensal Rise will have the Chamberlayne Road entrance closed from 6pm.
