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 37 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 37 soundsystems so you can get down early adn grab a prime spot for raving.
RECOMMENDED: Our full Notting Hill Carnival guide
Notting Hill Carnival 2017 soundsystems, A-Z
4 Play
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 West Row near the Kensal Road junction.
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
Afrobeats, Urban Gospel, Soulful House, Soul & "Gospellypsoca" (a fusion of Gospel, Calypso & Soca) brought to you by DJ Fitz.
Find them on the corner of Bonchurch Street and Portobello Road.
Triple S Audio
This huge street-corner rig has a genre-spanning music policy ranging from soca to dubstep. Built under Noel Gardner's trusty vision, his son and friends made their first appearance at Notting Hill Carnival in 2009.
Find them on Southern Row (on the corner of Bosworth 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 on the corner of Leamington Road Villas and Westbourne Park Road.
Different Strokes
The Different Strokes crew promise a riotous mixture of hip hop, jungle and D&B, with help this year from bashment collective The Heatwave and Island Records. Although recently moved to the St Luke’s spot, they've been at Carnival for 21 years!
Find them on St Luke's Road (on the corner of Lancaster Road).
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 on the east side of Powis Square.
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 Powis Terrace
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 where Sutherland Place meets Talbot Road.
Gaz's Rockin' Blues
A swinging, bluesy and rock ’n’ roll alternative to the bass business. The rig (and stage) is an extension of the iconic club night that's been in business for 35 years.
Find them at 103 Talbot Road.
Check out 35 years of Gaz's Rockin' Blues in pictures.
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
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