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If there's one month that captures the energy of Caribbean culture in London, it's August. As Carnival season begins to build so too does the events and activities that celebrate Caribbean food, music, and celebrations that lead up to Notting Hill Carnival at the end of the month.
This month's Curated Caribbean is packed with ways to join in, from family-friendly festivals and cultural talks to brilliant food events and community celebrations including The Legacy of Notting Hill Carnival Exhibition and Jamaica House's immersive cultural takeover celebrating Jamaica’s 64th Independence.
Scroll down to discover more.
Curated Contents
Curated Caribbean Picks: Top Discoveries Greeting Cards to Celebrate Jamaican Independence Caribbean Taste of the Month Missed these? More Discoveries More Things to look out for later in the year & beyond Notting Hill Carnival - Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August 2026 Shop Carnival Share Your Caribbean Discoveries!
Curated Caribbean Picks: Top Discoveries
Jamaica House
Jamaica House returns for a one-day cultural takeover celebrating Jamaica's 64th Independence. Created in collaboration with Black Eats London, the event brings together music, food, creativity, conversation, and community under one roof.
Expect live performances, cultural discussions, and spaces dedicated to celebrating different aspects of Jamaican culture on 8 August at Buster Mantis.
Image from @theoriginaljcn
Black Eats Fest
Black Eats Fest returns to Hackney Bridge on 7 - 9 August and 3 - 4 October.
Expect food, culture, vibes & more with new traders, returning favourites and live entertainment, and a space that continues to spotlight and celebrate Black-owned businesses.
Image from @blackeatsfest
The Legacy of Notting Hill Carnival
To mark sixty years of Notting Hill Carnival, Somerset House presents - The Legacy of Notting Hill Carnival, an exhibition exploring Carnival's history, creativity, and lasting cultural impact.
Through photography, film, costume, sound, and archival material, the exhibition celebrates the people and communities who have shaped Carnival over the decades.
See work by Carl Gabriel, Horace Ové and more from 13 to 21 August 2026.
Image from @somersethouse
Black Culture Market
Celebrate African and Caribbean culture while supporting more than 40 Black-owned businesses at Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton. Shop:
- fashion
- jewellery
- books
- art
- skincare
- gifts
- food
Alongside health and wellbeing services.
Visit on 15 and 16 August 2026, from 12pm to 5pm. Entry is free.
Image from @blackculturemarket
The Folklore & Origins of Caribbean Carnival
Join Professor Emily Zobel Marshall at The Blues Kitchen Brixton on Tuesday 18 August, from 7pm to 9.30pm, for an exploration of Caribbean Carnival’s roots in resistance, political protest and celebration. The talk begins at 7.30pm and is followed by a Q&A.
Image from @nhcarnival
Family festival of Caribbean Culture
If you're looking for something to do with children during the school holidays, London's Family Festival of Caribbean Culture is well worth adding to your plans.
Across two days at the London Museum, you'll find dance workshops, storytelling, crafts, music, and performances celebrating Caribbean creativity, with activities designed for all ages on 21 – 22 Aug 2026.
Image from @wearelondonmuseum
Notting Hill Carnival Grandstand
No August edition of Curated Caribbean would be complete without mentioning Notting Hill Carnival. Whether it's your first visit or an annual tradition, there's nothing quite like experiencing Europe's biggest street festival as West London fills with music, colour, incredible costumes, and Caribbean food.
For a different way to enjoy the parade, grandstand seating is also available on Great Western Road, with prime views near the judging point.
The Carnival takes place on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August 2026 in Notting Hill, West London.
Image from @nhcarnival
The Live Orchestra Notting Hill Carnival Warm Up
Not only does this year mark 60 years of Notting Hill Carnival, Going To Granny’s are celebrating a milestone birthday too, with their 1st birthday coming up!
To celebrate, their signature 17 piece live orchestra soca, reggae and dancehall show returns with more carefully crafted medleys and one-of-a-kind orchestral arrangements on the 27 August.
Greeting Cards to Celebrate Jamaica Independence on 6 August 2026
Caribbean Taste of the Month
Celebrating the life of Chef Dom Taylor
This month we wanted to make a special mention in our Caribbean Taste of the Month to Chef Dom Taylor, who sadly passed away a few weeks ago.
I was fortunate enough to visit both The Good Front Room and Dom's residency at The Langham, and both meals left a lasting impression. What always stood out was his commitment to celebrating Caribbean food with pride, and genuine warmth. He was a true inspiration.
RIEP Chef Dom
Image from @thegoodfrontroom__
Missed these?
Curated Caribbean discoveries from the last edition that are still worth checking out!
Last month we highlighted even more events and activites related to the Caribbean, including a heads up about Bon Mange Sessions at Setlist - the next one takes place on 2 August, so you'll have to get in fast to book tickets. But if you are too late make sure to follow them on Instagram for future dates.
We also told you about Carnival: A Photographic and Testimonial History of the Notting Hill Carnival, a landmark publication charting the story of how a community celebration grew into one of the world's most iconic street festivals. Published to mark the Carnival's 60th anniversary, this special edition includes exclusive memorabilia, making it a unique collector's piece for this milestone year.
More Discoveries
This month, I’ve come across even more incredible finds that simply had to be part of Curated Caribbean! Here are some additional gems to explore:
Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2026-2028 - Patrice Lawrence!
@lawrencepatrice
Patrice Lawrence was born in Brighton, Sussex, England, and was brought up in an Italian-Trinidadian family.
Lawrence was recently chosen as the Waterstones Children's Laureate, a two-year appointment previously held by Malorie Blackman.
Image from @lawrencepatrice
Ramoan
@ramoan
Ackee And Plantain is a complete collection of flavour-filled Caribbean Vegan recipes. Featuring over 90 recipes some with scannable barcodes for videos showing how Ramoan made it.
Fusing contemporary vegan ingredients and much-loved, nutritious Caribbean fruits and vegetables, you’ll discover easy to follow recipes for mouthwatering dishes, bursting with the scrumptious flavours and tastes you crave.
Image from @ramoan
Black Minds Matter UK
Black Minds Matter UK is seeking people aged 18 and over to support Black mental health in the community.
Opportunities include volunteering at events, workshops and outreach activities, as well as a Trainee Advanced Practitioner Programme offering structured, CV-relevant experience.
Register your interest online or contact volunteer@blackmindsmatteruk.com.
Visit Black Rootz
Visit Black Rootz at Wolves Lane Centre to buy fresh, locally grown callaloo and other produce, or learn how to grow your own.
Volunteering opportunities are also available every Thursday for anyone interested in supporting the community growing project. Sign up online to get involved.
More Things to look out for later in the year & beyond
The Black Ballad Weekend - It's the last day of The Black Ballad Weekender on 1st August - so this is your sign to get your tickets. Join them at Protein Studios in Shoreditch for unique shopping experience, fun activities and exclusive goodie bags. More info
Candice Carty-Williams, author of Queenie is back with her second installment of the book, Queenie Is Working on It. It's available for pre-order and officially out on 9 August. More info
The Black British Book Festival is bringing writers, readers and publishing professionals together for a relaxed afternoon of conversation, networking and new connections. This members-only social takes place on Saturday 22 August 2026, from 4pm to 6pm, at an exclusive location shared with members. Join the BBBF community to attend. More info
Every August Bank Holiday weekend West London comes alive with Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s biggest street festival, celebrating Caribbean culture and community. The festivities run for three days and are predominantly free to attend. More info
Join Original Flava at Sevenoaks Bookshop on Tuesday 8 September, 7pm for a cooking demonstration with Craig and Shaun McAnuff to celebrate the release of their new book 'Easy Caribbean', which is due for release on 27 August. More info
Aaron Sorkin’s To Kill a Mockingbird, directed by Bartlett Sher, returns to the West End at Wyndham’s Theatre from 25 June - 12 September. More info
A to B by Tia-Renee Mullings and Directed by Ewa Dina is set to a Caribbean South London soundtrack. It's about the beauty and absurdity of trying to be seen and to connect in a world that won’t stop interrupting. A coming-of-age romcom where nothing goes to plan, but everything still matters. More info
Kiln Theatre presents Nine Night by Natasha Gordon from 12 Nov - 19 Dec 2026 - When Gloria passes, her family gathers for the traditional Jamaican Nine Night. And that means the whole family. As more and more mourners gather bringing rum and curry and complaints, tensions build, and the family must face some uncomfortable truths. More info
The Belgrade Theatre's next landmark production, coming Spring 2027, will bring the story of Nanny of the Maroons to life. As a freedom fighter of the 18th century and Jamaican national hero, her courage and resilience continue to inspire generations today. More info
Notting Hill Carnival - Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August 2026
Whether you're travelling across London or flying in from overseas, Notting Hill Carnival remains one of the best ways to experience the richness and diversity of Caribbean culture in the UK. This year is especially significant as Carnival celebrates its sixtieth anniversary, making it an exciting time to join the celebrations.
Get a taste of what you might hear at Notting Hill Carnival 2026!
Shop Carnival
Are you ready Carnival? Check out our curated collection of products inspired by the carnival and the Caribbean.
Share Your Caribbean Discoveries!
Get in touch!
Have you come across any inspiring stories or exciting discoveries celebrating Caribbean culture and the diaspora? Whether it’s Caribbean fashion, Caribbean food, or Caribbean-inspired art, I’d love to spotlight your discoveries. I’d especially love to hear about hidden gems or events outside of London. Email hello@tiharasmith.com to share your finds with me, and I’ll do my best to feature them in the next Curated Caribbean to share with our community!
About Tihara Smith
Tihara is a fashion designer and textile artist passionate about design, the Caribbean and sharing the Windrush story. She loves creating distinctive pieces that allow people to have a little piece of the Caribbean 🌴✨
Disclaimer: Please note that I am not affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this blog post. For any questions about their products or services, please contact them directly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Curated Caribbean and Caribbean Culture in the UK
What is Curated Caribbean?
Curated Caribbean is a monthly roundup celebrating Caribbean culture, creativity, and community - from events and exhibitions in the UK to Caribbean-inspired food, fashion, and travel discoveries.
Who writes Curated Caribbean?
Curated Caribbean is created by me, Tihara Smith, a fashion designer, and textile artist passionate about Caribbean heritage and the Windrush generation’s influence on British culture.
How can I get featured in Curated Caribbean?
If you have a Caribbean-inspired product or event, you can email hello@tiharasmith.com with details about your product, event, or story for a chance to be featured.
How can I stay updated on new posts and events?
You can sign up for our newsletter to receive monthly updates, event highlights, and exclusive Caribbean-inspired discoveries - plus enjoy a 10% discount on your first order.
Or follow us on social media - @tiharasmith
Does Tihara Smith work with brands or collaborators?
We occasionally collaborate with like-minded people that celebrate Caribbean culture. Get in touch via hello@tiharasmith.com if you’d like to discuss opportunities.
Is Curated Caribbean affiliated with the events or businesses mentioned?
No, unless otherwise stated, we are not affiliated with the featured brands or venues. For specific product or ticket enquiries, please contact them directly.
Why is Caribbean culture important to the UK?
The Caribbean community has played a vital role in shaping British music, fashion, food, and identity, from the Windrush generation to today’s artists and entrepreneurs. Curated Caribbean celebrates that ongoing legacy.
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