Kensington and Chelsea Council will supply 1,000 compostable, chemical-free and waterless toilet facilities, including 480 cubicles, 600 urinals and more than 40 accessible cubicles
The 60th celebration of Notting Hill Carnival is just around the corner and preparations are well underway. Each year, planning for the next set of carnival festivities begins almost as soon as the last one ends.
Kensington and Chelsea Council has been busy licensing 40 sound systems who will be playing everything from reggae to Latin rave music. Around 1,000 performers will be preparing to take part in the National Panorama Competition for steel bands on the Saturday night before Carnival officially kicks off on the Sunday (August 30) with the family and children’s day, J’Ouvert, and children’s parade before the adults’ day parade on Bank Holiday Monday (August 31).
Hundreds of businesses along Portobello Road will be preparing to board-up windows and close over the upcoming bank holiday weekend. And 20 elderly residents living along the parade route will be packing their bags to set off to the seaside and escape the carnival buzz.
This is part of a scheme which the council runs each year in partnership with Age UK Kensington for older residents who might not otherwise have the means or ability to leave London independently.
The trip runs from Saturday until Tuesday morning, with residents spending time at a yet-to-be revealed destination on the South Coast.
‘It’s a huge team effort’
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, there will be over 250 food and drink trader stalls to choose from selling rotis, jerk chicken and more.
The council will supply 1,000 compostable, chemical-free and waterless toilet facilities, including 480 cubicles, 600 urinals and more than 40 accessible cubicles.
Kensington and Chelsea will also be deploying 130 of its officers to be on duty over the weekend, in roles including licensing, environmental health and highways management.
After the festivities end, a huge clean-up operation encompassing 200 staff and 30 refuse vehicles will clear an estimated 300 tonnes of waste.
How can I get to Notting Hill Carnival 2026?
For the easiest and least crowded journey, take the Tube or Elizabeth line to Paddington Station. Notting Hill Carnival is only a short walk away.
Attendees can also make their way back to Paddington Station on their way home.
Several stations will be closed during carnival celebrations.
Ladbroke Grove – Closed all day
Latimer Road – Closes 11pm
Notting Hill Gate – 11am to 18pm no entry
Westbourne Park – From 11am no entry
Holland Park – 11am to 3pm no entry -clos es 3pm
Queensway – 11am to 6pm no entry – the station is exit only
Royal Oak – 11am to 6pm no entry – closes 6pm
Kensal Rise – 6pm Chamberlayne Road entrance closed
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