7 ways to stay safe at Notting Hill Carnival

Tips if you're visiting Europe’s biggest carnival this weekend.

The famous Notting Hill Carnival returns this weekend. It’s one of the most anticipated events of the summer, where you can expect to see steel bands, flamboyant costumes and experience great food and entertainment.

It takes place this year on August 30th and 31st, this Sunday and the upcoming Bank Holiday Monday. 

Make sure YOUR carnival experience is as positive as it can be with our 7 safety tips.

Briefly, to stay safe at Notting Hill Carnival:

• Plan your travel and offline routes ahead
• Expect severe mobile signal drops
• arrange an outside meeting spot with your group
• Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes
• Keep valuables secure against pickpockets
• Stay hydrated
• Head out toward outer backstreets before evening.

Check the latest weather forecast at the Met Office website.

More detail:

1. Night tube? Taxi? Bus? Plan your route home before you set off

Lots of people will be travelling to and from London during the two days of Carnival. Public transport may be busier than normal. To stay safe, try not to be tempted to take an unlicenced taxi or to walk home via an unfamiliar route.

This web page has the latest information on the Tube, Overground and bus services. Also, check here for station closures and changes, as local tube stations often become exit-only or get restricted.

You can plan your journey on the Transport for London journey planner website page, as well as follow their updates on X at @TfL.

Download or screenshot your maps and schedules beforehand because mobile internet frequently fails in dense crowds.

2. Those landmarks can come in handy! Set a meeting point

With all that dancing and jumping about, you might lose family or friends in the crowd. So agree a meeting point before the festivities start and then you can reunite if you get separated.

Pick a clear meeting landmark well outside the immediate parade route in case you are separated and your phone loses connection.

3. Blocked up? Stay clear!

As Carnival is a busy event, roads sometimes get congested or blocked. To minimise your chance of getting pickpocketed, wait for crowds to clear before you go ahead.

4. If you’re not a Pearly King, leave the bling at home

Leave expensive jewellery, camera gear and electronic devices at home if you can - flashy items can tempt opportunistic thieves. If you have one, bring an old mobile phone - just in case.

Bring your own water bottles, snacks, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer. Don't forget the sunscreen!

Wear comfortable, closed-toe footwear; open sandals or heels lead to frequent foot injuries in the moving crowds.

5. Be alcohol aware

If you choose to drink, be aware of your cup, can or bottle – always keep it in your sight.

Especially if it's hot, pace your alcohol consumption.

Punch is a popular alcoholic drink at Carnival; the alcohol content of this homemade drink can vary. If your group is planning to drive later that day then make sure you have a designated driver.

6. Know your Carnival details

Keeping safe is much easier if you know which facilities are in the area and where you can go to take a breather or get some help.

This web page gives details of the schedules for each day, as well as maps and lots of other useful information. It's probably worth looking at before you go, as mobile signals at Carnival can be patchy.

7. Little Carnival goers: stay safe with children at Carnival

Sunday is Family Day at Carnival, and is the best day to visit Notting Hill with children.

Arrive early - you don’t want your children getting separated from you in the crowds! Make sure your children know that if they do get separated from you, they can talk to one of the many police officers and stewards that will be in attendance.

Take a photo of them as you leave your home so that you can show stewards and police what they look like and what they are wearing if they were to get lost.

Write your phone number on their arm in marker pen and cover it with a liquid or spray plaster to stop it from running if it gets wet.

Finally, if you know of anyone planning to commit a crime at Notting Hill Carnival, or have any information about crime during the event itself, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or complete our anonymous online form, here on our website.

xx August 2026