Notting Hill Carnival is easily the biggest and best free event that can be enjoyed in the city, and as the August Bank Holiday weekend fast approaches, the excitement for the celebration only grows.
This year, however, one of carnival’s most beloved traditions will not be happening, as the early morning Notting Hill Carnival J’Ouvert has been cancelled for 2024.
Credit: Notting Hill Carnival via Instagram
Each year, J’Ouvert involves carnival-goers meeting at the crack of dawn (6am) to begin the first main day of the event on the Sunday, and leads to the other festivities. You’ll see who’s been at J’Ouvert pretty easily, as they’ll be covered in paint. Sadly, while the other parades and events will still go ahead, the first of the day will not happen.
Sadly, the event has to be cancelled due to no bands being able to perform at the J’Ouvert this year, and anyone who planned to attend has been asked to refrain from turning up early in hopes of catching it. So don’t go setting the alarms that early on August 25. Get shut eye ahead of the rest of the Sunday and Monday events going ahead as normal afterwards.
You’ll still have the chance to attend other J’Ouvert bands with paint in the main parade later in the day, as well as the famous Dutty Mas taking place as normal. Even though there’ll still be plenty of chances to get a soaking of paint, it’s still a shame that the early morning splash won’t happen this time around. Let’s hope it can return for 2025!
Find out all you need to know for Notting Hill Carnival 2024 preparations here. Notting Hill Carnival takes place on August 25 & 26.