Fancy a detour from the kaleidoscopic parade at Carnival? Here’s Time Out’s A-Z of 2025’s sound systems
As well as the reams of steel drums, elaborately-dressed dancers, rum cocktail stands and jerk chicken vendors that make up Notting Hill Carnival, we can’t forget about the bass-quaking and rhythm-shaking sound stystems that take over the west London streets during the event.
Notting Hill Carnival’s sound systems are an institution, with some of the DJs having played at the event since its inception. Some of the most famous include Channel One Sound System, Aba Shanti-I and Gladdy Wax, which will all be there in 2025. Dotted all across the Carnival area, there’s a sound system for everyone with reggae, roots, ska, lover’s rock and so much more, all keeping the party going all day long. Whether you’re a hip-hop head, lover of bashment or want to feel dub rattling in your chest, there’s a tinnitus-inducing sound system to suit every kind of musical persuasion.
Every corner of W10 over the weekend will become part of a smorgasbord of sound and we’re mapping out the best spots to get stuck in. Give yourself a head start and check out Carnival’s best sound systems below.
On Carnival Sunday and Monday, over 30 static sound systems will play from noon to 7pm at various locations across the Notting Hill area.
Make sure to check this page closer to the date of the Carnival for the most accurate list of sound systems that will be playing and their official locations.
Here’s Time Out’s A-Z of Notting Hill Carnival sound systems this year:
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.
Usually found on the corner of West Row and Kensal Road.
One of the country’s most respected selectors pumps out dub and roots. Aba Shanti-I has brought his much-loved Soundsystems to Notting Hill Carnival for nearly 30 years, making him an integral part of the festivities.
Usually found where East Row meets Southern Row.
Carnival has plenty of busy, bassy stages on offer, but if you’re looking for little breather from those, head to Arts-A-Light. This family-friendly spot puts on a blend of soulful house, gospel, afrobeats and classic soul.
Usually found where Bonchurch Road meets Portobello Road.
The award-winning Mikey Dread, Jah T and Ras Kayleb have been bringing music to this spot since 1979. Expect the best cuts of reggae around.
Usually found where Leamington Road Villas meets Westbourne Park Road.
The Different Strokes crew promise a riotous mixture of hip hop, jungle and drum ’n’ bass. Originally formed by Daddy Noddy, it's now led by his eldest son, RiperDon.
Usually found where St Luke's Road meets Lancaster Road.
Carnival veterans Michael ‘Tempz’, William ‘EQ Profile’ and Linett ‘Thunderbird’ together form the core of the legendary Disya Jeneration sound system, running since 1985. Since Linett was one of the first female DJs to play at Carnival, the crew have been at the forefront of Carnival’s culture each year.
Usually found on the corner of Westbourne Park Road and Powis Terrace.
Peaceful reggae, soca and Latin vibes from this crew, led by DJ Megus. The G.I. of this crew, which was established in 1987, stands for good intentions, so come here to load up on positive energy.
Usually found on the corner of Adella Street and Kensal Road.
Gaz Mayall, son of legendary blues musician John Mayall, is the man behind Gaz’s Rockin’ Blues, a ska and blues institution which started life in a basement in Soho in 1980. Expect a thick slice of ska, rock ’n’ roll and rocksteady.
Usually found on Talbot Road (between Powis Mews and Powis Terrace)
Gladwin Wright boasts one of the world’s best reggae collections. A don of London's reggae scene, his soundsystem has been going for over 40 years and was spun off from Wax Unlimited Record Store – the shop he ran for 14 years in Stoke Newington.
Usually found on Portobello Road, just off Chesterton Road.
This eight-man deep crew will bring a fresh mix of sounds to Carnival, from UKG and party songs, to dancehall and soca.
Usually found on the corner of Middle Row and Conlan Street.
After some bass in your face? Then head to this classic reggae system.
Usually found on the corner of Oxford Gardens and St Lawrence Terrace.
Run by Keith KCC and his brother, DJ Mel, this sound system has been a destination for funky US house fans since 1991.
Usually found on the corner of Munrow Mews and Wornington Road.
Killerwatt has a lot of history – not least, it being a spot where So Solid Crew’s Romeo and Megaman appeared as teenagers. It’s a haven for ragga and reggae fans, so don’t miss out.
Usually found on St Luke’s Road, between Tavistock Road and McGregor Road.
The legacy of one of Jamaican music’s most respected sound scientists continues. Head here for reggae and bashment from the Tubby crew, new and old.
Usually found on Clydesdale Road.
This system was founded by DJ Sylvester, who cut his teeth in music by putting on nights with Gilles Peterson back in the ‘80s. Head here to bust out those sexy Latin dance moves you've been practising.
Usually found on the corner of Portobello Road and Chesterton road.
Lord Gellys serves up a global trip, delivering the sounds of Jamaica, Grenada, New York and London to the W10 postcode.
Usually found on the corner of Cambridge Gardens and Thorpe Close.
As the name suggests, this is a sweet spot for fans of rock, soul and soca.
Usually found on the corner of Hazelwood Crescent and Golborne Road.
If soulful house, funk and R&B jams are your vibe, you’ll want to pay a visit to Mark Ross The Boss.
Usually found on the corner of Lonsdale Road and Ledbury Road.
Located at the top of Ladbroke Grove (by the big Sainsbury's) since 1989, Mastermind Roadshow have played at Carnival for more than 30 years. Expect R&B, hip-hop, soul and reggae, with a number of live PAs taking to the stage on both days.
Usually found on Canal Close
A simply gawp-inducing reggae system that pumps out some of the thickest, vinyl-based bass in the area. Operated by entrepreneur and original soundsystem scientist DJ Sterling.
Usually found where Ledbury Road meets Dartmouth Close
Get ready for some dancehall jugglin' as the MCs and DJs of Nasty Love bring some beat-matching madness to the stage. As well as reggae and revival, there will be plenty of bashment to get the party started.
Usually found on Colville Houses.
Following the passing of the legendary Daddy Vego, his son Dexter takes over this destination for all things Jamaican and reggae-related.
Usually found just past the roundabout on All Saints Road and Lancaster Road
Pineappletribe serve up a slightly different sonic palette than what Carnival is typically associated with, dipping into a bag of hard house, breakbeat and techno. Their sets have been getting crowds moving for more than a decade, so get down and bust a move.
Usually found on the corner of West Row and Southern Row.
Platinum Sound System has a long history with Carnival, having first appeared at the bash in 1986. Leader Darkman is a respected name in the industry and, each year, he brings funk, soul and lovers rock to Notting Hill.
Usually found at the junction of Sutherland Place
One of Carnival’s biggest systems returns, pumping out hip hop, R&B, dancehall and jungle.
Usually found on the corner of Colville Terrace and Colville Square.
The Rapattack Roadshow was established in 1984 and has its origins firmly rooted within the NottingDale/Grenfell community. Prepare to be thoroughly entertained with soul, jazz, funk, House, hip-hop and dance classics.
Usually found on the corner of All Saint’s Road and McGregor Road.
Specialising in reggae, lovers rock and R&B, the distinctive RBS green speaker stacks have taken up residence at Hazelwood Crescent since ’89.
Usually found on Hazelwood Crescent, where it meets Bosworth Road
This iconic system was founded in the ’70s in Lewisham and is considered one of the pioneering collectives with a history of raising great toasters and performers. Names like Maxi Priest, Tippa Irie and Smiley Culture all cut their teeth here.
Usually found where Chesterton Road meets St Lawrence Terrace.
Julie Henry and Marilyn Dennis are back again with their female-fronted system, featuring a selection of awesome soul, ragga and R&B.
Usually found on the corner of Telford Road and Ladbroke Grove.
The Sir Lloyd soundsystem has been established on this spot since ’79. In recent years, Shy FX has dropped by to take over the turntables, but you can expect two days of R&B and reggae regardless of who shows up.
Usually found on the corner of Leamington Road Villas and Tavistock Road.
Hip hop and ragga beats from this veteran soundsystem founded by a DJ named Sir Walter Riley (The Dude) in the ’70s.
Usually found on Golborne Road (opposite Trellick Tower).
Sweet and melodic JA and UK sounds from this young crew who’ve taken over Jah Observer’s famed spot.
Usually found on Ledbury Road on the corner of Talbot Road
The brainchild of Noel Gardner and Khalil Treasure, Starliner Diamond soundsystem has been supplying ear drum-shaking reggae, soca, afro-beats and funky soul for over 40 years.
Trojan 7 are committed to preserving the essence of roots, rocker’s dub and revival reggae music, paying homage to grand traditions of the genres. They team up with LIN KAM ART – a new soundsystem championing underrepresented groups in the culture, from the youth to women.
Fast, colourful and full of energy, this family-friendly system busts out reggae and soca.
Usually found on the corner of Portobello Road and Oxford Garden.
This Notting Hill Carnival institution is closely tied to its Trinidadian roots. Main man Courtney has taken over from his late father Lincoln.
Usually found on the corner of Faraday Road and Athlone Place.
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.
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 vibrant 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
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