STRAIGHT UP27–31 AUG 2027BEFORE YOU HIT THE ROAD
CARNIVAL CHECKLIST
Two million people, no phone signal and nowhere to sit down. Run through this before you leave the house — and sort your ride home before you need it, not after.
ON YOUR BODY
- Costume, feathers and spare safety pins
- Comfortable trainers already broken in
- Bandana, wig or headwrap
- Sunglasses
- Light rain jacket — it is a Bank Holiday
- Sun cream and lip balm
CARRY SMALL
- Bum bag, ankle bag or chest bag
- Cash in small notes — signal drops, card machines fail
- Photo ID
- Fully charged phone plus power bank
- Keys on a wrist strap, not loose
- Personal panic alarm
STAY WELL
- Water bottle and bottle holder sling
- Snacks for the walk between sound systems
- Ear plugs
- Plasters and paracetamol
- Wet wipes and hand gel
- Shewee and tissue for the queues
- Pocket mirror
PLAN AHEAD
- Screenshot your route — the network jams by 3pm
- Agree a meeting point in case you split up
- Share your live location with one person
- Know your last train time from Ladbroke Grove
- Save the taxi numbers below before you leave
- Note the house arrival time with your host
- Pack an umbrella hat or folding brolly — sun or rain
- Hand sanitiser and a mini first aid kit with plasters
STAY SAFE ON THE ROAD
Two million people in a few streets. Most of it is love — a little care keeps it that way.
- Don't wear expensive jewellery — leave the gold at home
- Don't carry your whole purse or wallet, just what you need
- Keep your bag in front of you in dense crowds
- Never leave your drink unattended
- Don't accept drinks off strangers
- Stay aware of who is around you at all times
- Emergencies: call 999 (or text 999 if registered). No signal? Try 112
- Non-emergencies: call 101, or report online to the Met Police
- Find a police officer, steward or a Carnival welfare point if you feel unsafe
STATIONS DURING CARNIVAL
Based on TfL's carnival travel advice. Ladbroke Grove closes all day and several stations go exit-only, so plan for Paddington. Always check the TfL website on the day — times can change.
PADDINGTON
OPEN — best route
TfL's recommended station. Elizabeth line, Bakerloo, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City. Signed walking route to the carnival.
SHEPHERD'S BUSH
OPEN
About a 20-minute walk. After 16:00 no ticket issuing and no down escalator — 71 steps to platforms. With luggage or buggies use Wood Lane or bus to White City.
KENSAL RISE
OPEN
Mildmay line. Chamberlayne Road entrance closes 18:00; queuing system at Station Terrace after that.
KENSAL GREEN
OPEN — queues
Expect to queue outside afternoon and evening.
LATIMER ROAD
OPEN — restricted
Queues outside, may close for short periods, closes 23:00. Consider Shepherd's Bush instead.
NOTTING HILL GATE
NO ENTRY 11:00–18:00
District and Circle lines will not stop. No interchange between Central and District/Circle.
QUEENSWAY
EXIT ONLY 11:00–18:00
No entry during those hours.
ROYAL OAK
NO ENTRY 11:00–18:00
Station closes at 18:00.
WESTBOURNE PARK
NO ENTRY FROM 11:00
Exit only from late morning.
HOLLAND PARK
NO ENTRY 11:00–15:00
Station closes fully at 15:00.
LADBROKE GROVE
CLOSED ALL DAY
Do not plan any journey through here on carnival days.
GETTING THERE & HOME
Scan a code with your phone camera to download the app, or tap the name to open it.
Set your pickup a few streets outside the road closures — drivers cannot reach the parade route.
Often cheaper late night. Same rule: walk clear of the carnival zone before you request.
LOCAL TAXI NUMBERS
Licensed West London minicab offices covering Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove and W10. Only ever get into a booked, licensed car.
ANGELS CARS
020 8740 0400
North Kensington · Ladbroke Grove · W10
ALL KENSINGTON CABS
020 3137 2100
Notting Hill · Kensington · W11
LADBROKE GROVE MINICABS
020 8103 2807
Ladbroke Grove · 24 hours
STILL NEED THE KIT?
Bags, bottles, alarms and flags are all in the carnival shop.