The journey of music through Carnival

Travel through the streets and the new music of Notting Hill Carnival

Notting Hill Carnival (2022) by Sama KaiNotting Hill Carnival

Notting Hill Carnival is made of many different Sound systems. They are run by a diversity of people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Notting Hill Carnival (2022) by Sama KaiNotting Hill Carnival

They all play selections as broad and diverse as US/UK Garage, Soulful, Deep, Funky House, Techno, Drum and Bass, Hip-Hop, Trance, Trap, Grime, Afrobeat, Dub Reggae, Roots Rock Reggae, Ragga, Lovers Rock, Soca, Calypso, Jazz, R&B + many more!

Leslie Palmer MBENotting Hill Carnival

Uniquely, Notting Hill Carnival is the only full-scale Carnival in the world to feature multiple static sound systems – a feature introduced in 1973 by the then Notting Hill Carnival organiser Leslie Palmer MBE.

Wilf WalkerNotting Hill Carnival

There are live performances too. the first stages were organised by Wilf Walker in 1979, chiefly featuring reggae and punk bands. 

Mabel & Aj TraceyWhat We Seee

Notting Hill Carnival live stages and ‘trucks’ (also known as floats) also host performances from British-based artists to international artists.

Notting Hill Carnival (2022) by Sama KaiNotting Hill Carnival

Notting Hill Carnival has and continues to be very important to the music industry, as many artists come to the Carnival and perform their music. Whether this be famous talent or new up and coming artists trialling their new sounds on the streets of Carnival.

Notting Hill Carnival (2022) by Sama KaiNotting Hill Carnival

Notting Hill Carnival is a place where audiences can experience music from the Caribbean but also audiences favourite songs throughout history right up to the present day. A place of expression, Black sounds and Black joy!

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Explore more

Interested in Performance?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites