How to enjoy Carnival Weekender 2025 on the BBC
Entertainment News: 1Xtra will celebrate the music, festivities and people of Notting Hill Carnival 2025, with bespoke on-air and on-demand content. Here's what's in store...
Across the bank holiday weekend, 1Xtra will bring the sights, sounds, and spirit of Europe’s largest street party, Notting Hill Carnival, to audiences across the UK with specially curated on-air and on-demand content designed to capture the full carnival experience.
Throughout the week, listeners can enjoy a packed schedule of special shows, exclusive interviews, and standout Carnival mixes to keep the festival atmosphere alive.
The Lead-Up
Celebrations began on Sunday 17 August with a special 1Xtra Talks show (9pm-10pm) exploring the legacy and influence of sound system culture in the UK. The show examined its origins, evolution, and impact on music, technology, and communities, with insights from key figures in the scene.
On Monday, as part of 1Xtra’s Carnival Collection, Beyond the Music launched on BBC Sounds. This on-demand special celebrates the people behind UK carnivals, from vendors and costume designers to sound system operators and organisers, offering a glimpse into the heart of these festivals and the work that makes them possible.
The Carnival Collection also features some of the best mixes and specials, including 1Xtra’s After Hours Carnival, showcasing vibrant sets representing Caribbean and UK music. A new mix will be released daily in the run-up to the weekend.
The Weekender – Carnival Mixes and Takeovers
Throughout the bank holiday weekend, 1Xtra will deliver carnival vibes through curated mixes, DJ and artist takeovers, and themed features across its shows.
On Saturday, listeners can enjoy carnival mixes from top DJs on Swarzy (7am-10am), Nick Bright (10am-1pm), Sian Anderson and Manga Saint Hilare (4pm-7pm), and a Panorama-focused special on Snoochie Shy’s show (1pm-3pm), highlighting the UK’s National Steelband Competition.
Sunday and Monday feature special takeovers from some of the Caribbean’s most popular DJs and artists. DJ Private Ryan (3pm-4pm) and Elephant Man (9pm-10pm) will appear on Sunday, while DJ Puffy (6pm-7pm) will join on Monday.
On the Ground at Notting Hill Carnival
1Xtra’s Kash & Pharoah will be reporting live from the festival on Sunday and Monday, capturing the energy and excitement for listeners. On Monday, coverage will include highlights from the Rampage Stage (4pm-6pm).
BBC News Live Stream
BBC News will live stream the action from Notting Hill Carnival on Monday from 1pm-4pm, showcasing the colourful displays, music, dance, and atmosphere. Cameras positioned along key points of the route will allow audiences at home to experience the festival as if they were there.
BBC Radio 1Xtra’s CassKidd and BBC Radio London’s Claira Hermet will guide viewers through the celebrations, sharing insight into the history and cultural significance of Carnival in the UK. The stream will be available via BBC News online and BBC iPlayer.
Listeners can enjoy 1Xtra’s Carnival Weekender throughout the weekend and access additional bespoke music and shows via the Carnival Collection on BBC Sounds.
Words: Simon Baines
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