Fancy a detour from the kaleidoscopic parade at Carnival? Here’s Time Out’s A-Z of 2024’s soundsystems
In just a few days, Notting Hill will be bumping to beats and bass, soundtracking the bank holiday weekend with reggae, roots, lover’s rock and so much more. It’s not just live performances bringing the noise to the area, though, with Carnival’s famed static soundsystems and host of DJs keeping the party going all day long.
There’s something for everyone over the weekend-long extravaganza, whether you’re a hip-hop head, lover of bashment or want to feel dub rattling in your chest. 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 headstart and check out Carnival’s best soundsystems below.
On Carnival Sunday and Monday, over 30 static soundsystems will play from noon to 7pm at various locations across the parade map, which you can find here.
Check back nearer the date for the official locations of each soundsystem.
Here’s Time Out’s A-Z of Notting Hill Carnival soundsystems this year:
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.
Find them: 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.
Find them: 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.
Find them: where Leamington Road Villas meets Westbourne Park Road.
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.
Find them: 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.
Find them: on the corner of Middle Row and Conlan Street.
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.
Find them: 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.
Find them: 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.
Find them: on the corner of Portobello Road and Chesterton road.
Lord Gelly’s serves up a global trip, delivering the sounds of Jamaica, Grenada, New York and London to the W10 postcode.
Find them: on the corner of Cambridge Gardens and Thorpe Close.
If soulful house, funk and R&B jams are your vibe, you’ll want to pay a visit to Mark Ross The Boss.
Find them: 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.
Find them: 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.
Find them: where Ledbury Road meets Dartmouth Close
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.
Find them: 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.
Find them: at the junction of Sutherland Place
One of Carnival’s biggest systems returns, pumping out hip hop, R&B, dancehall and jungle.
Find them: 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.
Find them: 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.
Find them: 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.
Find them: 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.
Find them: 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 years to take over the turntables, but you can expect two days of R&B and reggae regardless of who shows up.
Find them: on the corner of Leamington Road Villas and Tavistock Road.
Sweet and melodic JA and UK sounds from this young crew who’ve taken over Jah Observer’s famed spot.
Find them: on Ledbury Road on the corner of Talbot Road
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.
Find them: TBC
This Notting Hill Carnival institution is closely tied to its Trinidadian roots. Main man Courtney has taken over from his late father Lincoln.
Find them: 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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