To want to go to Nottinghill Carnival at 63?

[AuntieMeemz]

DH and I have never been, and want to go this year. Is that a mad idea? Is there a way we can be on the peripherary and see most of it?

What has your age got to with you attending the carnival? Just go. It’s a wonderful thing.

Nothing to do with age but, i wouldn't, my friend is a Met officer and said it is not the fun carnival that it once was.
Huge gang presence and causing trouble with each other.

Your either in it or you're not, really. It's fun. Go on Sunday (if that's still children's day, haven't been for a while), not quite so full on and leave late afternoon.

Made sure you have good walking shoes…. Bottle of water and sun hat/fan.

Also take money/cash to try lots of yummy foods!

You’re 63, do you not think you’ve earned the right to do what you want??

Go!

Do you what you like, age is no factor!

Though the NHC is pretty awful these days.

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/article/2024/aug/25/one-big-ball-of-happiness-1m-revellers-expected-at-notting-hill-carnival

You could hang out with 64 year old preach

I'm in my late 40s and hate crowds. I've lived in London for nearly 30 years and the idea of going to carnival terrifies me.

If you can take the crowds and the racket, then go. I try and leave the city every August bank holiday by swapping shifts because of it. All the loud obnoxious people attend. I hear them on the tube or bus. I hate it.

Never been, no desire to go; but, absolutely you should! I love this, go and have a wonderful time- it has nothing to with age. Party on

Of course go. Why wouldn't you? It's for all ages

Of course you can go!

There are lots of events in the run up to carnival too that are usually very chilled (compared to Monday carnival).
Maybe go on the Sunday which is a bit calmer.

I went a few times in my late twenties in the 1990’s and it was fab I think it’s changed quite a bit since then. I must admit I wouldn’t go now, I mean it was busy then but the numbers are huge now.

It's horrendous but you're she shouldn't stop you going if you want to!

It's fantastic. Go and enjoy it.

Thank you all for your thoughts. Not worried about my age that much, (did an epic roam in Japan last year!) but wondering more how to make it do able. I'd love it if we could be on the edges somehow, and find somewhere to maybe sit. I'm wondering if that is realistic. I love steel bands, that is what I'd mainly like to see.

Im planning to stay for cheap in Paddington,(LSE Student rooms) and go Saturday afternoon for the steel drum competition, and see the start of the parade on Sunday, and may be one one of the sound stations nearby. That should be enough.

Sounds amazing, ignore all the nay sayers

I would go and try it. You can always leave if you don't like it.

Just make sure to head home around 5pm so that you don't get shanked by your oppos

Go for the parade op. You can track it with the carnival app.
Go early.
There's plenty of more chilled spots.
Enjoy!

nhcarnival.org/carnival-info

Steel bands on the Sat

nhcarnival.org/carnival-info/saturday