A Boy from Notting Hill | EP3 | The Carnival Episode – A Local’s View of Notting Hill Carnival

What is it really like to experience Notting Hill Carnival when you live right in the heart of it? In Episode 3 of A Boy from Notting Hill, we experience Notting Hill Carnival through the eyes of a local — from the quiet streets before the crowds arrive to the music, costumes and extraordinary atmosphere of one of the world’s most famous street festivals. Dad grew up in Notting Hill and was 21 when the early Carnival processions began passing through his neighbourhood. This episode begins on All Saints Road, an important part of Notting Hill’s Caribbean history, as preparations get underway. Dad meets some of the characters behind the scenes — and even gets his own Carnival graffiti tag. Then, at 6am on Sunday morning, he heads to the top of Ladbroke Grove to experience J’ouvert: paint, powder, music and what he describes as an atmosphere of “expectation and excitement and just sheer joy.” By the time he gets home, even his leather jacket has become a colourful souvenir of the morning. As Carnival builds into full swing, we follow Dad through the streets he has known for most of his life — Ladbroke Grove, Elgin Crescent and the surrounding streets of Notting Hill — now transformed by masqueraders, incredible costumes, music, food and hundreds of thousands of visitors. But this isn’t simply a film about Carnival. Dad also talks candidly about what it is like for the people who actually live here. Some residents embrace Carnival, others leave London for the weekend, and there are mixed feelings about the crowds, disruption and aftermath. For Dad, though, there is something very special about having this extraordinary event on his doorstep: “Love it or loathe it, it is an incredible spectacle.” 🎬 ABOUT A BOY FROM NOTTING HILL A Boy from Notting Hill is an ongoing documentary series following my dad as he revisits the streets, houses, gardens and characters that have shaped his life in one of London’s most famous neighbourhoods. Through his memories — and the Notting Hill of today — we’re building a personal record of an area that has changed enormously during his lifetime. If you enjoy real London stories, local history, old Notting Hill, Portobello Road, Carnival and hearing memories from the people who were actually there, we’d love you to come along with us. 👉 Subscribe to Jo & Faye Films and follow A Boy from Notting Hill as the story continues. 🎥 WATCH THE SERIES:    • A Boy from Notting Hill | Full Series   Episode 1 – Elgin Crescent Dad returns to the street where he grew up and shares memories of childhood and the Notting Hill he remembers. ▶ Watch Episode 1:    • A Boy from Notting Hill | EP1 | Where It A...   Episode 2 – The Big Garden We step inside the private communal garden behind the houses of Elgin Crescent and explore another part of Dad’s childhood world. ▶ Watch Episode 2:    • A Boy from Notting Hill | EP2 | The Big Ga...   Episode 3 – The Carnival Episode From 6am J’ouvert to the full spectacle of Notting Hill Carnival — experienced through the eyes of someone who calls Notting Hill home. ▶ You’re watching Episode 3 More episodes are coming. If you have your own memories of Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, Portobello Road or Carnival, please leave them in the comments. We’d genuinely love to hear your stories and memories of the area. Jo & Faye Films Independent films, personal histories and stories worth preserving. #NottingHillCarnival #NottingHill #ABoyFromNottingHill