Notting Hill Carnival sound systems

Notting Hill Carnival is the biggest street festival in Europe, and sound systems are half of it. Alongside the costumed bands on the parade route, around 30 or more static sound systems set up on street corners and play from late morning to the 7pm finish over the August bank holiday weekend.

The link goes back to the start. Duke Vin, who built the first Jamaican-style sound system in the UK, played Carnival for 37 years. Cecil Rennie of King Tubby's remembers the first Jamaican-style sound systems arriving at Carnival in 1973. King Tubby's has played every year since 1985.

The Carnival sound systems

Each sound has its own spot, and regulars go back to the same corner every year:

  • Rampage Sound: Colville Square since 1992. The biggest crowd at Carnival, and the only static sound ever given a whole street.
  • Killerwatt: St Luke's Road since 1982. A family sound playing reggae, soul and calypso.
  • Gladdy Wax: outside 304 Portobello Road for more than 35 years. Known for his white gloves and deep revival collection.
  • Aba Shanti-I: resident since 1993. Heavy roots and dub.
  • Channel One: at Carnival since 1983. Conscious roots and steppers on a hand-built rig.
  • Jah Observer: more than 25 years at Carnival, from Thornton Heath.
  • Mastermind: soul, hip hop and electro on both days.
  • Disco Hustlers: Powis Square.

Tips for Carnival

Sound systems stop at 7pm on both days. The roots sounds draw a calmer, older crowd than the big dance sounds. Earplugs are a good idea anywhere near the speakers. Find this year's positions on the official Notting Hill Carnival map before you go.

All Carnival sounds on the register

Ran a sound, chatted on one or carried the boxes? Add your sound system to the register.