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| Some extra tips for successful carnival. |
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Plan your arrival and escape route:
Driving is just plain foolish! You won’t be able to park, trust us. Take public transport, and be sure to take a look at our transport guide before you leave so you know which stations are closed and what bus to take.
Dressing down or up:
Face it, you’re not going to outdo those wonderful costumes so concentrate on comfort, wear trainers to keep your feet blister free and dry (even in the summer - not everyone uses the portaloos you know), layer up whatever the weather so you can take stuff off when it gets hot in the crowds and keep warm in the evening. Also remember to take sunscreen, a waterproof, and tissues to wipe up after sticky jerk chicken.
Maps and plans:
Have a map of the carnival route and plan ahead what you want to see and where the best places are to see the parade. It’s also worth knowing where toilets, police and first aid will be located.
Mobiles and mates:
You won’t be able to hear your mobile phone above the noise of the Carnival so keep it tucked away out of the view of pickpockets. Arrange a meeting point with your friends just in case - somewhere easy to find and relatively crowd free - but try and stick together as much as possible.
Toilet nightmares:
The queues for the toilets are ridiculous so make sure you plan your toilets stops well, and don’t try to find a loo when you’re busting. Try not to turn Notting Hill gardens and basements in toilets, but be prepared to lose your dignity in an emergency, yes, the girls too. Just another reason to have tissues with you and mates who don’t mind shielding you from the crowd.
Better safe than sorry:
Keep keys, money, phones and cameras in different pockets and bags and as well hidden as you can. Make sure you don’t carry around hundreds of pounds with you and if your camera is of any value think about taking a disposable instead. Finally, be aware of what’s going on around you. Sadly, not everyone is here just to see the parades. The more you have to carry the more you have to look after.
In the party:
Go on Sunday, kids day. It's far less crowded and much more fun, and if you are going on the Monday aswell it gives you a chance to get your sense of direction and find sound systems you like.
Dance in the street with total strangers - its very liberating.
Sample loads of Caribbean dishes and delicious sugar cane.
After-party:
If you’re planning to continue on at one of the venues across Notting Hill that hold private parties, make sure you’ve pre-organized your ticket or guest list before, or you may be disappointed.
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| Guide for event: http://www.mynottinghill.co.uk/nottinghilltv/carnival1.htm |
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