It's Party Time: Carnival Round Up Summer 2014!

Notting Hill Carnival 2012

It's summer party season, so get the low down on the best street entertainment around the UK!

1. Notting Hill Carnival

Where: Notting Hill, West London
How To Get There: Travel is often congested and many tube stations are exit only for most of the day.
Stations Include: Notting Hill Gate, Royal Oak, Westbourne Park (all exit only).
Latimer Road, Bayswater, Queensway, Paddington, High Street Kensington, Holland Park, Queens Park.
Bus routes run from Notting Hill Gate and Harrow Road.
Cost: FREE
What: Notting Hill Carnival is Europe's biggest street festival… and believe us when we say, it's huge! The carnival dates back to the swinging '60's and celebrates all that is bright and vibrant about the Capital's multi-cultural mix of people's and cultures.
Child Friendly: Sunday is Children's Day and recommended for if travelling with little 'uns.
Top Tips:
1. There's not really much point in trying to plan your day too strictly. The beauty of this party is that there are surprises around every corner!
3. Travel via public transport.
4. Make sure you try the jerk chicken and fried plantain!
When: Sunday 24 - Monday 25 August
What: Wander around the streets
More Info: www.thenottinghillcarnival.com

Notting Hill Carnival 2011

 

2. Red Bull Music Academy Soundsystem 

Where: Notting Hill, West London

When: 25th August 

What: If you're planning on dancing your feet off at Notting Hill Carnival this year then why not carry on the party and try out this annual  event which plays host to a number of international acts and DJ's playing Caribbean sounds. The free tickets will save you valuable pennies and the event is great for star spotting!

Cost: FREE

Who? Past acts have included Sean Paul, Eliza Doolittle and Sam Smith

Top tips: Keep an eye out for the line-up announcements early August as there are always some big surprises.

This event is always oversubscribed so get first in the queue online for tickets and hope for the best! Find out more here.

Eliza Doolittle rocks the Red Bull stage in 2013.

3. Sandown Main Carnival 

Where: Sandown, Isle of Wight
How To Get There: You can arrive on the Island via Ferry, Train, Coach and even flying.
Ferries: Up to 200 Isle of Wight ferry crossings per day.
Trains depart from all major train stations.
Coaches depart from Portsmouth, Southampton.
Flights go from Heathrow, Gatwick as well as Bournemouth and Southampton.
When: Friday 25 July - 27 August
    Children's Day - Friday 25 July 2014
    Main Carnival - Saturday 26 July 2014
    Illuminated Carnival - Wednesday 27 August 2014
Cost: FREE
What: The biggest carnival on the Island. Three days packed full of fun and games for all the family.
Child Friendly: Yes. Children's day is the July 25. Events include the Carnival Quiz at The Caslte Inn and Car Treasure Hunt!
Top Tips:
1. Pick up a free programme at the Sandown Carnival Outlet
2. The fun doesn't end there: Round of carnival season with the Halloween themed November Carnival and Fireworks on Saturday 1 November.
More Info: www.sandowncarnival.com

4. The BIG Leeds West Indian Carnival Parade.

What: A colourful procession and music will be lighting up the city of Leeds and we challenge not to move your feet and shake your hips to the Caribbean sounds, steel pans  and soca music as the floats make their way through the streets leaving Potternewton Park.

When: Bank Holiday Monday August 25. 

Cost: Free

Top Tips: Don't miss the Prince & Princess Show on Sunday August 17th! The Leeds Carnival Prince and Princess 2014 title is once again up for grabs and there will be plenty of activities to keep the tots entertained.