Europe’s most acclaimed carnival of the year, and the second largest carnival in the world, will be bringing the streets of Notting hill, London to life once again.  The Notting Hill Carnival has built a respectful reputation since the inaugural event in 1959.  Celebrations from the beautiful exotic lands of Africa, Jamaica and more combine to share cultures with Western society in a lively event that is supported by Prince Charles. 
 
With steel drum bands, hundreds of tasty Caribbean food stalls, colourful carnival performers and 40 sound systems that play a magnificent array of modern Western society and traditional Afro-Caribbean music – this is one lively weekend not to be missed.
 
How The Carnival Started
 
The roots of this wonderful festival can be connected with two strands.  Claudia Jones organised the first event as a response to the depressing state of race revelations during the 1960s.  As a result of the colourful, unique, fun and diversity filled celebration the event grew in popularity.  The second strand originates from the influences of the London Free School and was started for the same reason as above.  The mover was Rhaune Laslett who organised the celebration as the first ever out-door event in London, which took place in 1966.  This was a more diverse event that was televised to promote and illustrate the beauty of cultural identity.  Within a few years the two highly popular events merged and is now organised by Notting Hill Carnival Trust.
 
The Area of Notting Hill
 
Most people will know Notting Hill from the famous film staring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.  Beyond the hit movie, Notting Hill has a contemporary reputation as an affluent, fashionable and lavishness.  The area is known for attractive terraces with large and traditional style Victorian town houses with friendly and welcoming people.  As well as high-end shopping and restaurants that are teeming with tasty and diverse filled food that will simply make your taste buds feel like they have gone to heaven.  The art work here is nothing but exceptional: from paintings to dancing Notting Hill is teeming with raw talent and it is easy to see why such a vast, diverse and creative festival is held here.   

Accommodation
 
The area has always had a healthy number of fabulous accommodation options.  Visitors have the option of staying in the heart of the town.  The Abbey Court will leave you in ore of the decor as each room is individually decorated to a high standard of style, so you know a great amount of care is invested into the hotel.  Alternatively the 18^th century Blue Bells hotel has a superb central location making it ideal for visitors to explore the town. 
 
Music
 
Music is at the heart of the Notting Hill Carnival.  Traditional and contemporary compositions that bellow across the area: making the rhythm flow through your soul, tantalise your ears and the beat go to the pulse of your heart.  Eddie Grant, Jamiroquai, Wyclef Jean, Courtney Pine and Burning Spear have been a part of an electric line-up with local and world wide musicians, in pervious years.  This year’s music certainly won’t disappoint with the unique combinations of steel bands and traditional Soca and Calypso music with Reggae, Rhythm and Blues, Funk and Dance.  Guests are sure to find music that entices their ears to world wide cultures.   Steel bands, also known as Pan will be filling the street with their exotic and wonderful melodic sounds throughout the weekend.  Attendees can engage in the traditional singing style of Calypso or listen whilst relaxing. 
 
Food
 
There’s nothing like indulging in wonderfully traditional home made food.  Attendees will have the fantastic opportunity of experiencing Caribbean food at its best: with mouth watering deliciously flavoured curries, jerk chicken, patties and friend plantains.   The tantalising aromas of traditional, freshly cooked Caribbean food available at the Notting Hill Carnival will send your sense of smell straight to heaven and you to the one of the many stalls.  You never know what groundbreaking flavours you might find here at Notting Hill, after all Levi Roots – the mastermind behind Reggae Reggae Sauce – has had a stand here since 1991, way before he found global success courtesy of Dragons Den.  Here, the food only gets better as the spices and herbs explode and dishes melt in your mouth. 
 
About The Tradition 
 
Every year people travel all over the world to the Notting Hill Carnival which never failed to show off a host of colourful styles from traditional Afro-Caribbean societies, or celebrate and explore these wonderfully diverse cultures and traditions they have kept over the years. 
 
With the wonderful heritage, food and music, the Notting Hill Carnival will not fail astound senses and leave attendees satisfied and wanting more. 
 
For more information about the event, please visit the Notting Hill Carnival website.

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