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Forget Brazil. For two days each summer the sleepy streets of Notting Hill become centre stage for the second biggest carnival event in the world, after Rio.

Notting Hill is a surprising venue for the carnival. It's the home of many of London's rich and famous, from politicians like ex-Chancellor Norman Lamont to pop stars such as Seal and Leo Sayer. Even a small 2-bedroom mews house here costs over a quarter of a million pounds.

The carnival, which started in 1966 and takes place annually over the Bank holiday weekend at the end of August, is truly multicultural, so you have the chance to sample lots of different types of food and music. The focal point however, is the carnival procession itself with its oil drum steel bands (strangely in Trinidad where the steel band music originated, the oil drum has not been used for 50 years), and the 'over the top' floats and costumes.

The carnival went through a bad patch a few years ago when the relationship between the police and the crowds broke down and violence erupted. The police do have a difficult job with around 1.25 million carnival goers converging on the back streets of Notting Hill, but the problems have been worked out now and the carnival is a peaceful though noisy event.

Tips for Carnival goers
Travel to the carnival can be tricky. Some of the nearby tube stations are closed all day, some close when the area becomes too crowded and others only allow passengers either in or out. But if you don't mind walking a little further to one of the less crowded stations like Royal Oak, you will find it much easier. The Police and London Transport both issue leaflets before the carnival with full travel info and advice.
Crossroads tend to get most congested so its best not to hang around them too long. It's not just the music that's loud but whistle blowing is something of a tradition and it's not just the odd whistle, but thousands all shrieking at once.

Watch out for pickpockets too! They love the Carnival more than anyone else.

Don't be put off going though, after all, 1.25 million carnival-goers can't be wrong.

Nearest Undergroun (Tube) Stations: Notting Hill Gate and Ladbroke Grove.