More than two million people are set to turn up to west London in full force to celebrate Caribbean culture at the 60th edition of the legendary carnival over the bank holiday weekend.
You won’t have to look far to find good music and in truth, you just need to follow the crowds to find the best sound systems, with everything from Reggae to Groove and Samba on offer.
But for first-timers, or regulars who want to be prepared, these are the sound systems worth hunting out carnival day.
From the first female DJ at Carnival to veterans of the dance who have been spinning since the 70s, the Jamaican Sound System culture has well and truly been exported to the capital and is an integral part of Carnival.
There will be a party at every pub on just about every street corner in W1. But for those looking for their final dance destination, we also have a pick of the best afterparties.
Notting Hill Carnival 2026: The best sound systems and afterparties
The festival promises three days of music, dance and non-stop partying
Getty
Best sound systems at Notting Hill Carnival
You can find a map of all the sound systems and stages here
Linett Kamala was Notting Hill’s first female DJ
Daniel Lynch
She’s the carnival’s first female DJ and believe us, Linett Kamala knows how to host a party. In collaboration with Trojan 7, this sound system promises the revival of reggae alongside contemporary dubstep, global bass, and electronic music.
This is a takeover you can count on.
A veteran of the carnival for a reason. King Tubby’s Hi-Fi was born in 1970, making Cecil Rennie one the youngest carnival DJs. Now, King Tubby’s has grown to create one of the best-loved sound systems at Carnival.
It’s not Carnival without Mark Ross The Boss. This sound system has been going from strength to strength since 1986.
There is music for everyone at this truly international affair
Getty
Proving Notting Hill Carnival truly is an international affair, DJ Sylvester’s jazz fusion offering has an abundance of Latin influence.
It was Carnival’s first Latin rave back in 1989 and has now expanded to include a host of DJs dedicated to bringing Latin, Brazilian and African beats to W1.
Founded in 1989, Rough But Sweet is going strong more than three decades later.
From performing at house parties and pubs, Rough But Sweet know how to get the party started.
The first female-led sound system attracts big crowds year-on-year and for good reason. The platform is dedicated to heritage tracks, uplifting women in the Caribbean community. This is a sound system that is creating the next-gen of female creatives.
Gladwin Wright (Gladdy Wax) knows how to put on a good show
PA
One of Carnival’s most famous faces, Gladdy Wax is loved by carnival goers new and old. This sound system relies on vinyl, modernising carnival music as we know it.
Best Notting Hill Carnival afterparties
Sunday West Soundsystem at Loft Studios
Sunday West is returning to Loft Studios on Sunday for the Spirit of 96 event, which will celebrate 30 years of unmissable jungle and garage legends. It’s a 21+ event, but promises to bring all the carnival vibes.
Kash & Pharxoh at the Prince of Peckham
Notting Hill Carnival brings 2 million people together
Getty
BBC 1xtra DJs Kash & Pharxoh will be bringing the party to popular pub the Prince of Peckham from 9pm on Sunday.
August 30, tickets available via dice.fm from £11.30
The Steel Yard, a short walk from London Bridge, is hosting its Carnival after party from 8pm on Monday until 2am.
La Rouge, Cachie Royale, and RedNLobster are all headlining, with MCEE-D and Orrie going back to back later on in the evening.
There’s also a warm-up party to get you in the mood.
Phonox in Brixton
Phonox
Look no further than Phonox for a late-night celebration of sound system culture. The headliners are yet to be confirmed, but the Brixton venue won’t disappoint.
August 30, tickets available via dice.fm from £11
Egg: Carnival Special Closing Party
Close Carnival off right with the annual carnival weekender at Egg London. The night promises to bring soca, calypso, reggae and dancehall from 11pm until the early hours.
August 30, tickets available for free via ra.co
Carnival Mash Up at Dancehall
THose looking for one more dance should head to Archway’s The Dancehall, which is promising a “heavyweight musical explosion” in north London.
Plenty of live music and sets from Calvin Francis, Original Mr Biggs & Marvelous, and Blocka.
August 30, tickets available via dice.fm from £6.18
Revellers will be looking for places to continue the party
Getty
One of London’s more popular live music venues, the former cinema-turned-nightclub Scala will be hosting its Notting Hill Carnival Quencher.
The party is expected to go on until 5am and is being hosted by Release D Riddim on Monday. There will be three rooms of music featuring an international DJ line up.
August 31, tickets available via dice.fm from £15.74
World in Motion: Notting Hill Carnival After Party
Carnival may wind down to a close in W1, but the party will only just be getting started in Camden. World in Motion Events is taking over The Camden pub for a night to remember.
Running from 9pm to 3am, the event will feature dancehall, afrobeats, and amapiano music to finish your bank holiday off right.There are also VIP tables available for those wanting to ramp up their experience.
Makin’ Moves at Notting Hill Arts Club
The party won’t stop in W1
AFP/Getty
Located right in the heart of W1, Makin’ Moves is hosting its after party at the Notting Hill Arts Club from 4pm to 2am.
Expect to see Tre Hunter, Matt L-S & Jamesy, and DJ Dubois.
Jamie Rodigan will also be returning to the Notting Hill Arts Club on the Sunday.
August 31, tickets available via dice.fm from £9.69
Chet’s X Greensleeves Records
Greensleeves promises a night of carnival action at the Hoxton
Greensleaves
Hosted at Chet’s at the Hoxton in Shepherd’s Bush, Greensleeves Records will be taking over the decks just a stone’s throw from the main Carnival action.
To go alongside the dancehall and reggae offering, there’ll be BBQ specials up for offer on the terrace, including grilled chicken, river prawns, and twice cooked pork belly.
Music is expected to go on from 7pm to 11pm on the Sunday.
Trailer Happiness: Mount Gay takeover
From an outdoor pop-up frozen rum bar, Trailer Happiness will be kicking the party off by providing the journey juice for millions of revellers on the move.
But carnival-goers can also move the party downstairs from 5pm on Sunday. Expect an abundance of cocktails and music until 2am.
Ministry of Sound is one of London’s most popular R&B clubs
PR handout:
Ministry of Sound is hosting its Carnival After Party on Monday as per tradition. The afterparty will go until 6am across all six arenas of the popular London club.
There’s capacity for some 1,600 people, with the tickets selling out year after year.
