Hundreds of thousands of revellers are expected to attend Notting Hill Carnival in London to pay homage to the British West Indian communities in the capital next month. Here is how you can join Europe’s biggest annual street festival.

When is Notting Hill Carnival?

This year the carnival will take place from 25 August to 27 August.

The partying kicks off on Saturday with the event known as Panorama. Expect steel band music competitions, Caribbean-themed outdoor entertainment and street food. Entry is free with events taking place between 6pm and 10pm at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park.

Sunday is known as Family Day, with the Children’s Parade taking place between 9am and 7pm. Early risers can also watch J’Ouvert, which sees a parade of revellers march through the streets covered in mud and colourful paint between 6am and 9am.

Monday is the Grand Finale with colourful dancers, performers, steel bands and mobile sound systems filling the streets of Notting Hill.

What is the parade route?

The main parade begins on Great Western Road, going down Chepstow Road and then on to Westbourne Grove before travelling down Ladbroke Grove. A map of the route can be found here.

How do I get there?

Transport for London (TfL) has plenty of information on its website to help people travelling to Notting Hill Carnival. Extra buses have been put on to take people from across all parts of London. Tube stations close to the Carnival, such as Ladbroke Grove, Latimer Road and Notting Hill Gate, are often closed or become exit only and there will be no Night Tube on Sunday and Monday nights, so it’s worth checking on the TfL site to plan your journey.

How can I get involved?

You can join a steel pan band if you’re really looking for an authentic Caribbean experience, or join the Masquerade Bands if you’re looking to dress up and dance all day. You can also take part in the J’ouvert celebrations where you’ll spend the day covered in paint and powder.