Read on for some valuable tips to ensure that your Notting Hill Carnival Weekend is stress free and total fun.
Arrive early to avoid the crowds, it will suddenly get busy and take you ages to get to where you want to go.
Don't try and drive there! There will be nowhere to park for miles around, as most of the residents have to move their cars to neighbouring areas over the carnival period.
Take public transport, but be careful to check ahead of time which stations will be closed.
If it is your first time, get hold of a map of the carnival area. If you want to watch the parade, or find a specific soundsystem, plan ahead and pick your spot in advance.
If your on a budget, buy a few cans before you reach the area to avoid Carnival prices.
Dont take your wallet with all your cards inside. Take the amount of money you will need, your keys and phone. The more you have to carry the more you have to look after.
If you want to take party snaps, take a disposable camera. You can be more carefree and won't have to worry about looking after it all day.
Dont try and arrange to meet a friend in the middle of Carnival, it will be so crowded you won't be able to spot them, and you will have a hard time getting through, as there is so much noise. Keep your phone in a secure place, as pickpockets will be on the lookout for them.
Dance in the street with total strangers - its very liberating.
Notting Hill Carnival's downside are huge queues with dirty loos and no toilet paper, so try and find local residents opening their private bathrooms...at a price though!
Sample loads of Caribbean dishes and delicious sugar cane.
Go on Sunday, kids day. It's far less crowded and much more fun, and if you are going on the Monday aswell it gives you a chance to get your sense of direction and find sound systems you like.
Do be aware of what’s going on around you, there will be some people who will have their eyes on your goods.
But Remember, its Carnival, enjoy the sights and the sounds, see Notting Hill in this unique and exciting way, and have fun and let loose.
