9 essentials every first timer needs for Notting Hill Carnival 2024

Heading to the Notting Hill Carnival this year?

The annual street party which celebrates Caribbean culture is filled with vibrant costumes, booming sound systems and some of the best food you’ll ever taste.

But whether you’re a first-timer to the West London party – or you go every year – the joyfully chaotic streets of carnival can feel a little daunting.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of essential items to chuck in your bag, to make sure you day goes off without a hitch. Trust us, a little prep goes a long way!

Follow these tips and you’ll be set for an unforgettable (and comfortable) carnival experience this bank holiday weekend.

1. Comfy shoes/trainers

First things first: comfortable shoes are a must! Notting Hill Carnival covers a lot of ground – literally. You’ll be walking and whining all day, so you need shoes that can keep up.

Leave the fancy sandals and brand-new trainers at home and instead, opt for something broken-in and reliable. Your feet will thank you later when you’re still going strong as the sun sets.

2. Water bottle

Next up, let’s talk about hydration. With all the excitement and maybe a cheeky rum punch or two (read, five), it’s easy to forget to drink water. But staying hydrated is key to lasting all day, especially if the weather’s hot (you never know).

Pack a reusable water bottle and make sure to refill it whenever you can. There are shops which sell water, should you need – but the queues are long and you’ll be thankful you thought ahead.

3. Pre-mixed drinks

We’re nothing if not responsible here at Metro.co.uk – so, of course, we listed water above alcohol. But, if you are planning to indulge this weekend, don’t forget to bring your own booze. It’ll cost you a lot of money and time to be running to a shop every time you’ve run out of a drink.

Pre-mix your desired drink before you leave the house and you’ll be the envy of your Carnival buddies every time you have a sweet swig. Not a spirits person? Beers, ciders and beloved tinnies are also easy to pack and bring with you.

4. Power bank

Of course you’re going to be posting videos of you and your mates in the carnival crowds. But remember – this day is a long one and you don’t want to be caught off guard without a working phone.

Keep your valuables close and secure, and bring a portable charger because your phone’s going to be working overtime snapping pics and navigating your way through the crowds. Make sure you have enough juice to charge your phone throughout the day, and to keep in touch with your friends if you do happen to get separated.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that phone signal at carnival can be pretty patchy. It’s worth choosing a spot to meet your friends at if someone gets lost, and also make sure you download a Google map, so you can work out how to get to the nearest tube.

5. Tissues, wet wipes or loo roll

While decent loos in good working order do exist, they’re not always well equipped. Bringing your own loo roll for the portaloos is always a good idea. While we’re on the topic, hand sanitiser is always worth while too.

Not only that, but wet wipes come in handy for all sorts of reasons. Spilled some jerk sauce on your outfit? No worries. Need a quick freshen-up after a sweaty session at the Rampage stage? Sorted.

6. Cash

If you only remember one thing from the list, let it be this: you cannot rely on your card at carnival.

Whether you’re buying rice and peas from a street vendor, or paying a few quid to use a more private loo, you will need some cold hard cash on you.

It’ll save you time, hassle, and will mean you don’t queue for ages for that goat curry, only to find they don’t accept plastic.

7. Sunglasses

Let’s not forget about the ultimate festival accessory: sunglasses. Not only do they make you look effortlessly cool while you’re getting low, but they’re also a lifesaver when it comes to sunny days (a genuine possibility this bank holiday weekend).

The streets are going to be packed with people, colourful costumes and glitter galore – so you’ll want to protect those peepers from the bright sun and any unexpected confetti showers. Plus, if you’re a true soldier and doing consecutive days at carnival, they can hide those tired eyes…

8. Waterproofs

Alas, the British weather being what it is, you never really know when the skies might open up and surprise you with a downpour. And trust us, you don’t want to be the one stuck drenched to the bone while everyone else is staying dry.

A lightweight, packable raincoat can be a total game-changer, keeping you snug and dry without cramping your carnival style. Neat enough to stuff into your bag and pull out when the weather decides to play games, you can stay dry, happy and keep the party going, come rain or shine!

9. A fan

Last but not least, let’s not overlook the humble fan – aka your new best mate for Notting Hill Carnival. With all the dancing, crowds and the general hustle and bustle, things can get pretty toasty and a fan is a total lifesaver.

Whether you’ve got one of the TikTok trending electric ones or you’re old school with a classic handheld, it’s not just about staying cool; it’s about feeling fabulous while you’re working it on the dance floor.

Compact and easy to fold-up and fit in your bag, one of these bad boys can make a world of difference when the sun’s blazing or you’re caught in a sea of people. Plus, you’ll definitely earn some brownie points among friends for bring the cool (literally) vibes to carnival.

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