As the summer draws to a close, Notting Hill Carnival swings back around for one, final Wray & Nephew-fuelled goodbye. Last year marked the return of the historic parade following a two year break, making for one of the biggest, most colourful celebrations to hit West London yet. If you’re one of two million people planning on heading down this weekend, it’s easy to find yourself lost amongst the rumbling basslines and blistered feet. But never to worry, we’ve put together a neat guide of the best warm-ups, afterparties and sound systems to ensure you’ve got Notting Hill Carnival covered.
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Channel One Sound System Carnival Warm Up at Village Underground
Not many can dominate a crowd like Channel One. Made up of Mikey Dread, MC Ramon Judah, MC Macky Banton and MC Ras Sherby, the crew have been soundtracking Notting Hill Carnival since 1983. As part of their annual four-date residency at Village Underground, Channel One are linking up with G-Shock Sessions to ease us into the carnival weekend. Expect a culturally rich selection of dub and reggae, a celebration of old and new roots music.
Tickets are available here.
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Sunday West Soundsystem at Loft Studios
Sunday West Soundsystem are back this year with ‘A Family Affair’, a stacked line-up that promises the best of old skool jungle and drum ‘n bass running from 4PM-3AM. Whether you’re itching to see pirate-radio veterans Nicky Blackmarket, Norris Da Boss Windross or a surprise sibling b2b between Seb Fontaine and Chloe Fontaine – we’re sure spirits will be kept high at Loft Studios.
Make sure to grab your tickets here.
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Rampage Sound powered by Amazon Music’s +44
This one goes without saying, really. This year is a particularly special year for the legendary soundsystem, celebrating its 30 year anniversary. Spinning everything between hip-hop, R&B, dancehall and Caribbean music, Amazon Music will be livestreaming exclusive performances and backstage interviews to viewers at home. If you manage to work your way through the crowds, secure your spot at Colville Terrace for one of the best soundsystems Notting Hill Carnival has to offer.
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Digital Soundboy x Notting Hill Carnival
Calling all junglists – this one is for you. Partnering with Shy FX and Maharishi for yet another year of legendary selections, Digital Soundboy will keep the energy flowing across carnival monday. Located on the corner of Tavistock Road, the music label will present its bass-forward approach to dance music with gunfingers and wheel-ups at the ready.
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Rinse Carnival After Party at Paradise
Kicking off at Notting Hill Carnival’s iconic after-party spot, Rinse FM will be taking over Paradise once more. The iconic radio station will host an evening of genre-bending sets that touch all the bases, welcoming the likes of Geeneus, Katy B, Arthi, Crazy Cousinz and Klose One. Running from 6PM into the early hours, it’ll be straight garage, funky, dancehall and reggae anthems ruling the dance.
Snap up your tickets here.
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Words: Ana Lamond
