Residents and businesses across Notting Hill have begun to board up their homes and storefronts as two million people prepare to descend on the west London district.
Europe’s largest street festival sees revellers celebrate Caribbean culture annually and this year - now in its sixtieth edition - promises no different.
Locals have previously voiced complaints about noise, litter, and even revellers defecating or fornicating in front gardens.
Last year, 55 complaints were filed to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelse, comprising issues of noise, disturbance, and environmental health.
18 of these complaints happened in the Dalgarno Ward - outside of the carnival footprint. An additional 11 were made in the Golborne Ward.
Such behaviour has prompted dozens to board up their homes in anticipation.
With Notting Hill Carnival just days away, several homeowners and businesses have installed barriers and boards, turning the colourful streets into a parade of plywood.
One resident who lives near Portobello Road admitted she had to deal with the fallout every year and had been forced to consider plywood blockades.
“Every year we have to deal with people being sick in our garden or leaving their rubbish,” she said.
“It’s not really fair.”
She added that while she “loves carnival and what it does for the community,” she was “sick and tired” of “the mess and noise.”
Another local who lives in a flat block close to Ladbroke Grove told the Standard that she was “happy” that the council had installed metal barriers.
“It keeps the kids safe,” she explained.
Local businesses have also erected plywood boards as the streets prepare for the festivities.
Both Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local on Portobello Road and Ladbroke Grove respectively have boarded up their shopfronts as they prepare for the festivities.
Both shops are expected to stay open.
In the heart of Portobello Market, one trader said that while the carnival “brings good customers”, it is “too busy and stressful” for small businesses.
He said it was easier to board up the shop “for peace of mind”.
But others have suggested that it is merely a small tribulation of living in Notting Hill and residents in the area should expect noise and litter - or live elsewhere.
It’s similar to the argument put forward by critics of the Soho Society in Westminster, after complaints were made about late night licensing.
“If you’re living in Notting Hill, then it’s just part of the package, part of the culture,” said one man.
He said he had lived in the area for over 20 years and urged people “to live somewhere else” if Carnival posed such a problem.
“Get involved!,” he said.
Last year, there were no noise limits set for the festivities, but it is understood that this year, limits have been set and will be monitored by the council.
As per Carnival rules, sound systems and mas bands must wind down the noise by 7pm.
In 2025, no equipment was seized or confiscated as a result of breaches of curfew time or non-compliance.
