The Voice newspaper recently published their study commissioned by JN Bank, which revealed that the economic impact of the Notting Hill Carnival exceeds £396 million annually. This figure is not surprising, given that Carnival is one of the largest outdoor events in Europe.

I’ve been attending Notting Hill Carnival since I was about 12 years old. Over the years, I’ve witnessed it all, from the days when there was a proper judging stage and the carnival would continue until dark. 

Last year marked the first Notting Hill Carnival since the COVID-19 pandemic, and saying I was excited would be an understatement. Unfortunately, it turned out to be one of the least enjoyable carnivals I’ve ever experienced. From the crowds to the lack of soca I heard, it was all too much.

Many longtime attendees shared my disappointment, with many carnival-goers this year choosing to attend only on Sunday to avoid Monday’s overcrowding, while others are skipping it entirely to save up for international carnivals like Cropover or SpiceMas.