Residents and businesses across Notting Hill have begun boarding up homes and storefronts as two million people prepare to descend on the west London district for the Notting Hill Carnival.
Europe's largest street festival celebrates Caribbean culture annually, and this year marks its sixtieth edition. Locals have previously voiced complaints about noise, litter, and even revellers defecating or fornicating in front gardens.
Complaints and preparations
Last year, 55 complaints were filed to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, covering issues of noise, disturbance, and environmental health. Of these, 18 occurred in the Dalgarno Ward, outside the carnival footprint, and 11 in the Golborne Ward.
Such behaviour has prompted dozens to board up their homes in anticipation. With the carnival just days away, several homeowners and businesses have installed barriers and boards, turning the colourful streets into a parade of plywood.
Residents speak out
One resident living near Portobello Road said she had to deal with the fallout every year and had been forced to consider plywood blockades. “Every year we have to deal with people being sick in our garden or leaving their rubbish,” she said. “It’s not really fair.”
She added that while she “loves carnival and what it does for the community,” she was “sick and tired” of “the mess and noise.” Another local living in a flat block close to Ladbroke Grove told the Standard she was “happy” that the council had installed metal barriers. “It keeps the kids safe,” she explained.
Businesses board up
Local businesses have also erected plywood boards as the streets prepare for the festivities. Both Tesco Express on Portobello Road and Sainsbury’s Local on Ladbroke Grove have boarded up their shopfronts, though both shops are expected to stay open.
In the heart of Portobello Market, one trader said that while the carnival “brings good customers,” it is “too busy and stressful” for small businesses. He said it was easier to board up the shop “for peace of mind.”
Others have suggested that this is merely a small tribulation of living in Notting Hill, and residents should expect noise and litter — or live elsewhere. “If you’re living in Notting Hill, then it’s just part of the package, part of the culture,” said one man who has lived in the area for over 20 years. He urged people “to live somewhere else” if Carnival posed such a problem, adding, “Get involved!”
Carnival rules and monitoring
The council is understood to have installed railings in certain areas. Last year, no noise limits were set for the festivities, but it is understood that this year, limits have been set and will be monitored by the council. As per carnival rules, sound systems and mas bands must wind down the noise by 7pm. In 2025, no equipment was seized or confiscated as a result of breaches of curfew time or non-compliance.
