The Legacy of Notting Hill Carnival
Celebrating 60 years of Notting Hill Carnival - An exhibition reflecting on the history and cultural impact of Europe's largest street festival.
Booking encouraged, but not essential.
| Dates | 13–21 Aug 2026 |
| Times | Thu 13 Aug 12–11pm Fri 14 Aug 12–8pm Sat 15 Aug 10am–11pm Sun 16 Aug 10am–6pm Mon 17 Aug 10am–6pm Tue 18 Aug 10am–6pm Wed 19 Aug 10am–9.30pm Thu 20 Aug 12–8pm Fri 21 Aug 10am–2pm |
| Space | Lancaster Rooms & River Rooms New Wing |
| Price | Free |
Notting Hill Carnival is not just a festival. It is history, resistance, art, politics and joy compressed into two days. For decades, it has reminded us that Britain is no longer a monoculture and that equality is not achieved in courtrooms or parliament alone, but in the streets where people dance, eat, and live together.
The Legacy of Notting Hill Carnival is a multi-media exhibition showcasing a collection of interpretations, video/film, photography, sound, archival materials, sculpture, costume and more.
Featuring works including: original NHC sculptures from the world-renowned artist Carl Gabriel, photography from the legendary Horace Ové, Melissa Gardner and Ollie Tikare, a Grenfell Tower sound archive by Suzanna Vaz, videos from BBC and BFI’s archives, and archival letters between carnival organisers and the police/local authorities.
Header image: Ebony Steel Band
“A people’s art is the genesis of their freedom”
Claudia Jones
The Legacy of Notting Hill Carnival project is led by BARE ROOTS studio and co-curated with over 50 members of the Notting Hill Carnival community; with support from Somerset House's Anti-Racism Group.
Special thanks to Carl Gabriel for his invaluable support, contribution and beautiful spirit in bringing this to life.
Follow BARE ROOTS here.
The Legacy of Notting Hill Carnival project has been made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to celebrate and showcase the significance of this remarkable cultural phenomenon - one that has too often been misunderstood and unfairly stigmatised.