TENS of thousands of colourful revellers are descending on posh West London to party at Notting Hill Carnival this coming weekend.
The annual event, which takes place over the August Bank Holiday, is Europe's largest street event. Here's everything you need to know…
Route
The Carnival route circles an area between Westbourne Park and Ladbroke Grove tube stations in West London.
Both stations will be closed or partially closed on Monday, so be sure to plan your journey carefully (see below).
The route goes along Ladbroke Grove, right down Kensal Road, left onto Elkstone Road and along to Westbourne Park.
It then travels down Great Western Road, left onto Westbourne Park Road, right onto Chepstone Road, right again onto Westbourn Grove and then along to Ladbroke Gardens.
Stages, sound systems and judging points will line the route and fill the area within.
There will also be hundreds of food and drink stalls as well as toilet and first aid facilities.
Dates
Saturday 25 August
The Carnival weekend kicked off on Saturday 25 August with the UK National Panorama Steelband Competition.
It took place in the Emslie Horniman Pleasance park in the northern part of the Carnival route — although there were no parades that day.
It saw a competition between six steelbands playing a ten-minute composition from memory.
Judges and the public voted for the winner, which will be announced on Sunday.
Sunday 26 August
The "Family Day" of the Carnival kicks off at 6am on Sunday and there are many events throughout the day.
All the sound systems and main stages will host acts and play music until 7pm when the Carnival will begin to wind down for the day.
Meanwhile, the family-friendly parade will take place around the route.
Check out the official website for more information on the acts.
Monday 27 August
Monday is the adults' party day with an all-day parade, music and sound systems from 12pm-7pm.
You can take a look at the website to find out performance times and more information.
How to get there
The areas around Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park will be very busy with some road closures.
Tube and rail will be the best way to get around, however some stations will be exit only or closed during the event. Buses around west London may be on diversion or stop short of their final destination. Check Journey Planner before you travel.
Some Santander Cycle docking stations in the area will be suspended. You can check availability using our docking station map or use the Santander Cycles App.
Nearby tube stations will be subject to closure or partial closure.
Westbourne Park
Sunday 26 and Bank Holiday Monday 27 August, the station is exit only between 1100 and 1800 each day and closes at 2330 each day.
Ladbroke Grove
Sunday 26 and Bank Holiday Monday 27 August, closed all day.
Latimer Road
Sunday 26 and Bank Holiday Monday 27 August, closed after 2330 each day.
Royal Oak
Sunday 26 and Bank Holiday Monday 27 August, the station is exit only between 1100 and 1800 each day and closes at 1800 each day.
What is the weather forecast during the Notting Hill Carnival?
Notting Hill Carnival will take place on Sunday 26 August and Monday 27 August in West London.
The latest forecast for the area suggests that revellers may get a shower or two at some point over the festival.
Generally, it looks set to be a typically late-summer mix of sunshine, cloud and rain.
Temperatures will also be about average for this time of year, with highs around 18C-20C.
Sunday has the highest chance of rain, with showers moving in to the London and South East area.
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