Voices of Carnival
Hear some of our attendees' favourite Notting Hill Carnival's moments, past and present.
Notting Hill Carnival Mas (2015/2015) by Daniel C. SimsNotting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival is Europe's biggest street party. It is as diverse as it is large, with infinite Carnival experiences to be had while exploring the roads of West London when the fete is in full swing.
In this story, listen to some our attendees recount their favourite Noting Hill Carnival experiences - who knows, maybe you can recreate them when we return to the streets!
Disya Jeneration sound system by Babycakes RomeroNotting Hill Carnival
Rochelle Bennie
“So for me, one of the best Notting Hill Carnivals was 2019, it was the last one I went to … that year there was just something different for me. I felt everyone was really embracing the culture, loving the vibe. Good music, good people around, no trouble - what more could you want?”
Gregory Holder (2021/2021) by Gregory HolderNotting Hill Carnival
Gregory Holder (pictured)
“My most memorable Notting Hill Carnival experience has to be 2010. That year I DJ’d on three different floats, and the experience that year was really good, incorporating the weather, the people, drinks, vibes.”
“But it was just that experience that year for me, DJ’ing on three different floats, jumping back and forth between the three, made it very memorable for me.”
Corinthia Richards by Colin Taylor PhotographyNotting Hill Carnival
Corinthia Richards (pictured)
"[My favourite Carnival moment was] 1977. Everything was kinda central. Because you had the Gala which was in Olympia, which did not go to Crystal Palace; you had the Calypso Tent which was in [Wormwood] Scrubs [Park] ... and everything wasn't breaking the bank of Monte Carlo because now everything is money, everything is online.”
“So, that ... until 2001 Carnival was good - so yes, that was my best Carnival.”
Corinthia Richards (cont.)
"I like everything about Carnival. The bands, the music, the food, the atmosphere. I love everything about that."
Notting Hill Carnival Mas (2018/2018) by ReutersNotting Hill Carnival
Raythe Harvey
“It's Carnival, it’s chucking it down with rain, it’s my first time wearing a costume, and I've got this plastic bag pncho on top of me … and then out of nowhere, the head of the Paraiso School of Samba says ‘everybody, ponchos off, we samba through the rain!’”
“When I tell you I looked at him … but my poncho came off, and I had the best time ever!”
Ebony Steel Band (2011) by Gerald JenkinsNotting Hill Carnival
DJ Martin Jay
"I don't have a favourite Carnival, but my favourite part of Carnival is the build-up, the preparation. Thinking about the theme, getting the costumes ready."
"The whole preparation of Carnival is what I love every single year."
Notting Hill Carnival, Access All Areas (2020/2020) by Notting Hill Carnival LtdNotting Hill Carnival
Voices of Carnival
We hope you have enjoyed listening to the experiences of our Carnival-goers! Come rain or shine, Notting Hill Carnival is, and always will be, vibes.
Although Carnival has been online for the past few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope to return to the streets in force in 2022. See you there!
