Everything you need for Carnival

Plan to make the pilgrimage to Notting Hill Carnival? Here’s everything you need, from head(dress) to toe.

10/08/2023

If dancing your way through west London to bashment and soca sounds like your thing, then Notting Hill Carnival is calling for you this August!

Over two million people attended last year’s event, and 2023 is set to be just as popular. Taking place over the Bank Holiday weekend, the capital’s biggest street party will be, as always, packed full to the brim with Caribbean music, food and fashion, so make sure you dress to impress.

Dressing for the Notting Hill Carnival involves embracing vibrant and colorful attire that reflects the festive and lively spirit of the event.

What to pack?

When packing your carnival bag, there are a few essentials to consider that will help make your experience safer and more fun.

A reusable water bottle is a must, as is a quality sun cream, hand sanitiser and a power bank (in case you drain your phone battery by capturing all your favourite moments on video). Sunscreen is vital for this time of year. Carnival takes place in August, so it’s important to protect yourself from UV and UVA rays. If you can, pack sunscreen with a SPF15 or higher, a hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun’s rays.

Nail your look

Once your non-negotiables are sorted, no carnival look is complete without the perfect outfit. Carnival is known for its lively and colourful atmosphere so wearing bright, bold colours and eye-catching patterns is not out of the ordinary. But to stand out from the crowd and make a statement, go for a pastel hair piece. Spell recommends X-Pression’s Ultra Braid Pre-Stretched Pantone in ice pink and green. Another element you can add without breaking the bank are face jewels, lip gloss and an out-of-this-world manicure á la I Scream Nails.

Traditional attire

Many carnival-goers choose to wear elaborate costumes inspired by Caribbean traditions, such as feathered headpieces, sequined outfits, and creative masks. These costumes often have a cultural or thematic significance. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider wearing a costume by signing up to float. This will need to be done weeks or months in advance so your costume is ready in time.

Want to scale it back? You can embrace Caribbean cultural elements by wearing clothing inspired by the region. This could include traditional African prints, sarongs, dashikis, or clothing made from lightweight, breathable fabrics suitable for warm weather.

Remember, carnival involves a lot of dancing (wining in particular), walking, dancing, and moving around. Opt for comfortable shoes that you can comfortably wear for extended periods. But trust us when we tell you not to wear your new white trainers – instead, Crocs’ Hiker Xscape are the perfect comfy and toe-protecting dancing shoe!

Most importantly, bring your carnival spirit! Whether you plan to dance all weekend or eat your weight in dumplings, everyone is encouraged to take part and soak up the good vibes.