This year, Notting Hill Carnival turns 60. Sixty years of steel pans echoing through the streets of West London. Sixty years of costumes, colour, community and Caribbean pride. And if you ask us, that's worth celebrating in a very big way.
For those of us who grew up going to Carnival, or whose parents and grandparents helped build it, this anniversary feels personal. It's a reminder of how much our community has contributed to British culture and how important it is that the next generation knows that story too.
Where It All Began
Notting Hill Carnival started in 1966, born out of a desire by the Caribbean community in London to celebrate their culture and reclaim joy in a city that wasn't always welcoming. What began as a small indoor event grew into the largest street festival in Europe, drawing over two million visitors every August Bank Holiday weekend.
That's an extraordinary story. And it's one our children deserve to know.
Teaching Kids About Carnival
The challenge many parents face is finding the right way to introduce Carnival to young children. It's loud, it's busy, and the history behind it is rich and layered. That's exactly the gap we set out to fill at Nine Mile Babies.
Our Grandma What's That? Notting Hill Carnival storybook was written with children aged 4 to 7 in mind. It tells the story of Carnival through the eyes of a curious child asking their grandma questions, which is honestly how most of us learned about it too. Through conversation. Through family. Through love.
Make the 60th Anniversary Special
Whether you're planning to take your little ones to Carnival this August or you simply want to mark this milestone at home, our Discover Notting Hill Carnival Bundle is the perfect way to do it. For £27.99 you get:
- The Grandma What's That? Notting Hill Carnival storybook
- A 100+ page Activity Book covering the history, music, flags and traditions of Carnival
- A FREE Digital Colouring Book as an instant download
It's screen-free, it's educational, and it's rooted in real Caribbean culture. The kind of gift that sparks conversations between generations.
60 Years On, the Story Continues
Carnival has always been about more than a party. It's about identity, resilience and the beauty of a community that refused to be invisible. As we mark 60 years, we want our children to carry that story forward with pride.
Because one day, they'll be the ones explaining it to their own little ones.
Shop the Discover Notting Hill Carnival Bundle and celebrate 60 years in style →
