Notting Hill Carnival soundsystems
Fancy a detour from the kaleidoscopic parade floats and trucks of Europe’s biggest street party? Plan your party route with the Time Out Notting Hill Carnival soundsystem A-Z
With so much going on at Notting Hill Carnival, it can be easy to get turned around. Thankfully, we have our handy information guide as well as our parade map, so you know precisely where you're heading and, most importantly, where the nearest toilet is.
While you'll find heaps of live music, fab costumes and dancing during the festivities, Carnival is also famous for the 36 official static soundsystems that soundtrack the two-day bonanza. From chest-rattling dub riddims to samba-sonic Latin music and Caribbean Carnival anthems, you're bound to find something that gets your feet moving. To give yourself a head start, we've mapped all 36 soundsystems so you can get down early and grab a prime spot for raving.
RECOMMENDED: Our full Notting Hill Carnival guide
Notting Hill Carnival 2019 soundsystems, A-Z
Aba Shanti-I
One of the country’s most respected selectors and soundsmiths pumps out dub and roots.
Find them where East Row meets Southern Row.
Arts-A-Light
This family-friendly spot puts on a blend of soulful house, gospel, afrobeats and classic soul for those wanting to escape the busier and bassier stages Carnival has on offer.
Find them where Bonchurch Road meets Portobello Road.
Channel One
Strictly reggae roots (and some flag waving). The award-winning Mikey Dread, Jah T and Ras Kayleb have been bringing reggae to this spot since 1979.
Find them where Leamington Road Villas meets Westbourne Park Road.
Different Strokes
The Different Strokes crew promise a riotous mixture of hip hop, jungle and D&B. Originally formed by Daddy Noddy, it's now led by his eldest son, RiperDon.
Find them where St Luke's Road meets St Luke's Mews.
Disco Hustlers
As the name suggests, disco (and a healthy dollop of house) are on the menu here. London party starters DJ Giovanni and Mister Hustler first took their spot on Powis Square in 2009.
Find them on Powis Square, between Colville Terrace and Talbot Road.
Disya Jeneration
What they lack in spelling smarts, this crew more than make up for in new- and old-school party bangers.
Find them on the corner of Westbourne Park Road and Powis Terrace.
4Play Sound System
Expect underground UK talent and fresh sounds alongside old-school anthems. These guys have been at Notting Hill since 1994 playing a party mix of jazz-funk, jungle, funky house, reggae, dancehall and rare groove.
Find them on the corner of West Row and Kensal Road.
The Fun Bunch
Time to boogie with TFB and their sterling selection of R&B, hip hop and old-school soul on a 50,000kw system. They may be based on the edge of Carnival, but this team’s mix of R&B and garage always manages to set things off regardless.
Find them on the corner of Sutherland Place and Talbot Road.
Gaz’s Rockin’ Blues
Run by Gaz Mayall, the DJ behind London’s longest-running one-nighter, Gaz’s Rockin’ Blues, this stage serves up a thick slice of ska, rock ’n’ roll and rocksteady.
Find them on Talbot Road (between Powis Mews and Ledbury Road).
G.I. Roadshow
Peaceful reggae, soca and Latin vibes from this crew, led by DJ Megus. The soundsystem formed in 1987 and GI is short for good intentions.
Find them on the corner of Adella Street and Kensal Road.
Map your route
Notting Hill soundsystem map
The sights, sounds and smells of Notting Hill Carnival can be overwhelming. Navigate your way through this year's Carnival with our map of the main parade, bars, toilets and tube stops.
Find your Carnival afterparty
Notting Hill Carnival warm-up and afterparties
Who cares that summer’s nearly over when there’s still the Notting Hill Carnival to look forward to? Carnival traditionally takes place on the bank holiday weekend at the end of August, and its exotic outfits, banging music and strong Caribbean liquor make for a perfect party combination. For the full Carnival experience, check the warm-up events and afterparties that we’ve mapped out below, and if you're heading to the main procession, remember to consult our parade route map beforehand. RECOMMENDED: Read the full Notting Hill Carnival guide