Taking place on the 27th and 28th of August, Notting Hill Carnival is only a week away, and this year the event boasts 38 static sound systems to be the soundtrack to your weekend.
Unfortunately Rinse FM aren’t dominating with a Grime stage this year, but the stages will still be live and there’s loads of ’em – so you’re sure to find your sound.
Here’s your full-proof list of who to see and where at this year’s Carnival.
Reggae
Channel One – for your dose of pure Reggae from a group who’ve been killin’ it since 1979
Location: On the corner of Leanington Road Villas and Westbourne Park.
GI Roadshow – A serene place where you’ll hear reggae and soca
Location: Adella Street
Gladdy Wax Roadshow – A 40 year old sound system with of the best reggae collections
Location: 304 Portobello Road
High Grade – This sound system will be playing bass-heavy reggae
Location: corner of Oxford Garden/St Lawrence Terrace
I’Spy – Appearing at Carnival for the second year in a row
Location: Corner of Southern Row/West Row
Killer Watt – Played a role in launching So Solid Crew back in the day
Location: St Luke’s Road/Tavistock Road
King Tubby’s – Boiler room will be broadcasting from the classic spot all day on Monday.
Location: Outside Clylesdale House.
Mansgrove Sounds – A sound system which has been heavily inspired by Trinidad
Location : 3 All Saints Road
Metro Glory – Expect to hear some heavy bass with their reggae
Location: Westbourne Park Road/Ledbury Road
People Soundsystem – A Jamaica-centric soundsystem
Location : 11 All Saints Road
Saxon Sound – A sound system that has helped many people get their breaks for several years
Location : Chesterton Road/St Lawrence Terrace
Solution Sound System – A reggae sound system that established themselves well enough to take the prime spot in 2012
Location : Talbot Road/Ledbury Road
Virgo International – Keepin’ it family friendly
Location : Oxford Gardens/Portobello Road
R&B
The Fun Bunch – Playing the best in R&B, garage and Hip-Hop
Location: Sutherland Place/Talbot Road
Mark Ross Sound System – R&B, House and funk
Location : Ledbury Road
Mastermind Roadshow – Definitely a classic sound system bringing R&B and soul from 1979 onwards
Location : Canal Way
Sir Lloyd – R&B and reggae music
Location : Leamington Road Villas
Dancehall
Nasty Love Mixin Lab – for the best Dancehall and Bashment bangers
Location : Colville Gardens
Platinum Soundsystem – Dancehall, reggae and jungle songs will be played
Location: Bonchurch Street/Portobello Road
Drum and Bass
CMC Matrix – perfect place for Drum and Bass fans with a soundsystem that has been experts in pleasing your ears for over 20 years.
Location : All Saint’s Road
Different Strokes – HipHop, jungle and D&B
Location: On the corner of St Luke’s Road and Lancaster Road
Dubstep
Aba Shanti-I – Dub and roots all day
Location : On the corner of East Row and Southern Row.
Blackstar Showtime – Various music genres like dubstep and soca will be played
Location: On the corner of Southern Row and Boswarth Road
Funky house
4 Play – Expect to hear Jazz-funk, jungle and funky house being played
Location : West Row/Kensal Road junction
KCC and the rocking crew – A sound system which has specialised in playing American Funky House since 1991
Location : Worthington Road