Notting Hill

In the 19th century, modern Notting Hill began to emerge in West London as a neighborhood in its own right. During this period, the area became known as a hub for craftsmanship, with a large brick making industry which helped fuel the development in Central London due to the large clay repositories in the area. While the Central parts of the city developed extensively during the Industrial Revolution, Notting Hill retained its rural culture well into the era.

At the middle of the century, large land-holding families (such as the Ladbrokes) began to develop residential and commercial real estate, and the Kensington Park area emerged as the central hub in the city. Today, the unique architecture and colors in Notting Hill can be traced to this era, which marked the emergence of the modern commercial and arts culture surrounding Portobello road.

When the 20th century began, Notting Hill began to catch up with the rest of the city and emerged as a prime neighborhood in its own right. While surrounding areas, such as Golborne, attracted a more edgy, urban culture, Notting Hill developed its own unique culture, infused with English traditions, as well as the influences of a variety of Mediterranean communities in the area. As a result, the city’s unique setting emerged, with the development of the Trellick Tower in the 1970s along with a series of local businesses that give the city its trademark style and feel.

In recent decades, urban residents and young families begin to anchor in Notting Hill, migrating from Central London, which had become of the most dense neighborhoods in all of Europe. With its traditional impulses, the city maintained its feel with a number of parks ranging from the Kensington Gardens, as well as the smart shops and local merchants which have helped Notting Hill remain true to its roots over the years.

Held annually in August, the Notting Hill Carnival draws upon the city’s Caribbean community to lead a street festival that attracts millions of visitors to the area. The traditional began in the 1950s, and is expanded to a national celebration to this day.

Formally beginning in the late 1950s, the event expanded from a traditional Afro-Caribbean celebration into an event that drew Londoners of all types. By the 1970s over 100,000 people regularly attended the event, even drawing the support of the British Royalty as a testament to England’s underlying diversity. As the event has expanded to feature live music, dancing and local merchants, the Carnival came under the care of the Notting Hill Carnival Trust, which worked with the London Development Agency and government officials to help ensure public safety.

Leading off the event, the National Champions Steel Band competition marks the musical highlight of the event – steel bands compete for the top prize, and bring the area to live with the rhythms of traditional music. In recent years, the band competitions have expanded to other related genres, such as calypso and soca music, as well. The formal Carnival begins with a family parade, featuring traditional Caribbean costumes, as well as floats, bands and processions. Groups from throughout London travel to the idea to participate in the parade, which carries over into a complete 3 mile event on Monday, the final day of the carnival.