This weekend, Notting Hill Carnival returns to the streets of west London for its 60th anniversary – six decades since a small community celebration grew into one of the world’s biggest street festivals.
Each year the two-day event is a joyous and physical reminder of the enduring influence of Afro-Caribbean culture on London. Its roots lie in the Windrush generation and the sound system culture brought over from Jamaica, against a backdrop of the racial tensions and violence that gripped Notting Hill in the late 1950s.
Following the 1958 race riots and the 1959 murder of Antiguan carpenter Kelso Cochrane by a gang of white men, local social worker Rhaune Laslett organised a children’s street party in 1966 in the hopes of bringing the divided community together. And when Trinidadian steelpan player Russell Henderson and his band took to Portobello Road, the foundations of Carnival were laid.
By the 1970s, sound systems had become central to the festival, with organiser Leslie Palmer introducing more Caribbean masquerade and live music. As he put it himself: “The sound systems were the voice of the youth.”
Since then the soundtrack of carnival has continually evolved – from calypso, reggae, dub and soca to jungle, drum & bass, hip-hop, grime and UK garage.
So for carnival’s big 6-0, we rounded up ten people who’ve lived and breathed Carnival – from Channel One legend Mikey Dread to Seduction City’s Lady Banton, to costume designers and photographers – and tasked them with picking one track that for them epitomises Notting Hill Carnival.
Mikey Dread (Channel One)
Notting Hill Carnival wouldn’t be the same without Mikey Dread. He co-founded the illustrious Channel One Sound System and has been behind the decks since 1983. A serious legend. Don’t miss him this weekend – he’ll be playing out his collection of conscious reggae and exclusive dubplates for all to enjoy on the corner of Westbourne Park Road.
Mikey’s track selection – ‘Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner’ – Black Uhuru (1979)
Wayne Crichlow
Crichlow is a London-based documentary photographer who has spent more than 15 years immersed in Notting Hill Carnival. He’s recently released Carnival of Resistance, a photobook made with Wayne Campbell, documenting the festival’s sound systems, Mas, dancers, community and spirit of resistance.
Wayne’s track selection – ‘Warrior Charge’ – Aswad (1980)
Linett Kamala
Linett broke into London’s sound-system culture as a teenager, becoming one of the first women ever to DJ at Notting Hill Carnival. She’s now a Notting Hill Carnival Board Director and has spent decades promoting music, art and making sure the next generation of women get their rightful turn behind the decks.
Linett’s track selection – ‘Rum & RedBull’ – Beenie Man, Future Fambo, Seanizzle
Oxman (Greensleeves HiFi)
The primary host and selector of Greensleeves Hi-Fi, the sound system project carrying the name of one of reggae’s most iconic labels. This Carnival weekend he’ll be on deck duties with Becca D and YNG CPTN at The Hoxton in Shepherd’s Bush.
Oxman’s track selection – ‘Police and Thieves’ – Junior Murvin (1976)
Lady Banton (Seduction City Sound)
A Carnival veteran. Lady Banton is the force behind Seduction City Sound, a Carnival institution she founded over 30 years ago. Seduction City became the first all-female-led sound system at Notting Hill Carnival. Three decades on, she’s still behind the decks, and this Sunday she’ll be doing what she does best on Telford Road.
Lady Banton’s track selection – ‘Three Little Birds’ – Bob Marley & The Wailers (1977)
Ras Sherby (Channel One)
One of Channel One’s legendary resident MCs. Mikey Dread’s trusted right-hand man with more than 20 years experience at Carnival.
Ras’ track selection – ‘Live In Love’ – Ras Sherby (2024)
YNG CPTN
A London-based DJ known for blending reggae, dancehall, Afrobeats, jungle, garage and house. A regular on London’s Carnival and sound system circuit. This Carnival Sunday, he’ll be busy shelling out at both the Notting Hill Arts Club and The Hoxton.
YNG CPTN’s track selection – ‘Soul Rebel’ – Gappy Ranks ft. Nereus Joseph
Helen Davenport
For 27 years, Carnival costumier Helen has been helping make Carnival look as wild, colourful and larger-than-life as it does. She’s also passionate about passing the craft on, running workshops for people of all ages, cultures and abilities.
Helen’s track selection – ‘Savannah Grass’ – Kes (2019)
Jamie Rodigan
West London-born DJ Jamie Rodigan grew up immersed in reggae, thanks in part to his father, legendary broadcaster Sir David “Ram Jam” Rodigan. His sets draw on everything from reggae and dancehall to jungle, garage and house. He’ll be bringing the sound to the Notting Hill Arts Club afterparty on Sunday along with YNG CPTN.
Jamie’s track selection – ‘Promised Land’ – Dennis Brown
Roachee
A certified barrer. East London MC and former member of pioneering crew Roll Deep, joining the collective in 2004. A product of the youth-club and pirate-radio scene that birthed grime.
Roachee’s track selection – ‘Who Am I’ – Beenie Man
The Notting Hill Carnival takes place over the August bank holiday weekend with parades and sound systems from Sunday 30 to Monday 31 August 2026.