Do you need a ticket for Notting Hill Carnival 2023?

Notting Hill Carnival is just days away with the party atmosphere getting ever closer.

As millions prepare to descend on Ladbroke Grove for the annual carnival, organisers will be busy making the final checks and getting the weekend event ready for action. 

The carnival started as a small community-focused event and has now grown to become a key date in the events calendar whilst keeping the community spirit strong. 

Whilst much of the event is free, many are wondering if you need to buy a ticket to attend Notting Hill Carnival. 

Do you need to buy a ticket for Notting Hill Carnival?

The short answer is no.

Keeping its community spirit strong, Notting Hill Carnival is a free event for all to attend.

But there are some elements that you need a ticket for including the UK National Panorama Competition, tickets start at £7 for children and £20 for adults.

When is Notting Hill Carnival 2023?

This year, Notting Hill Carnival will take place on Saturday, August 26, Sunday, August 27 and Monday, August 28.

The first day, Saturday, is the Steel Band Competition Day which is a ticket-only event.

Held from 6pm until 11pm, the competition sees the top steel bands go head-to-head to be named the best, you can find out more via the website.

Sunday will see the traditional families and children’s day return – the event is free to all and sees the much-loved children’s day parade take place.

The biggest day of all is held on Monday (from 12pm) with the free day sometimes being known as the carnival climax.

With music being played throughout the day, the party vibes are huge as the parade makes its way through the streets of Notting Hill.