Alongside the steel bands, elaborately-dressed dancers, rum punch stands and jerk chicken vendors that make up Notting Hill Carnival, we can’t forget about the bass-quaking and rhythm-shaking sound systems that take over the streets of west London during the annual Caribbean festival.
Notting Hill Carnival’s sound systems are an institution, with some of the DJs having played at the event since its inception. Dotted all across the Carnival area, there are a sound systems for all kinds of Caribbean music, from reggae and roots and ska, to lover’s rock, dance hall and soca, plus bashment, drum and bass, UK garage, hip-hop and so much more, all keeping the party going all day long.
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, including iconic sound systems like Channel One, Aba Shanti-I and Gladdy Wax, which will all be there in 2025. Give yourself a head start and check out Carnival’s best sound systems below.
What day are the sound systems playing at Notting Hill Carnival 2025?
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: