Notting Hill Carnival is one big celebration but sometimes there is so much to do it is difficult to choose where to go to ensure you do not miss out.

Lifestyle website DesignMyNight.com has taken the worry out of where to go this Carnival by providing their top 10 tips to make the best out of the weekend.

Bars

Paradise By Way Of Kensal Green - 19 Kilbun Lane W10 4AE

For a second smattering of sensory indulgence, Paradise By Way Of Kensal Green embark on a marathon of a party across the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The pub opens its doors to pleasure seekers from across London, spilling out on to the adjacent courtyard and serving up a hearty dose of Caribbean chow and boozy Paradise Punch.

DJs Eton Messy (Sunday) and Benji B (Monday) spin a sweet selection of tracks to keep the dance floor filled until the wee hours.

The Portobello Star - 171 Portobello Road W11 2DY

A second home to punters from every walk of life, this Notting Hill nook of a watering hole is a prime choice if you’re looking to escape the rush, and chill with a beverage.

This charming spot delivers a spectacular cocktail offering alongside lovingly prepared homemade food, and boasts a collection of juniper-based concoctions that will leave Mother more than a little tipsy.

A slice of calm in the very midst of the Carnival happenings, The Portobello Star is the place to go if you’re in need of a breather.

Notting Hill Arts Club - 21 Notting Hill Gate W11 3JQ

Always host to popular DJs, raucous sets and a fun-lovin’ crowd, there is never a dull moment at Notting Hill Arts Club.

Sitting pretty opposite Notting Hill tube, you really can’t get much closer to the action: they’re happy to host those in need of a cheeky respite on their plethora of sofas, and fuel the dance floor fire with a roster of DJs that’ll keep the party pumping until late.

Mau Mau - 265 Portobello Road W11 1LR

Once the al fresco festivities have died down, head down to Mau Mau as they crank the music up to eleven. They’re keeping the crowds entertained with an incredible roster of live music from up and coming talent, as well jam sessions that carry on late into the night.

Plus, they’re serving up a bloody storm with their menu of colourfully named cocktails - be sure to try ‘Your Mum’, and get stuck into their impressive catalogue of rums.

Get into the Carnival spirit with our choice of bars, soundsystems and after-parties

Soundsystems

Basement Jaxx @ Red Bull Academy

UK dance duo Basement Jaxx land at the Red Bull Music Academy to deliver a special DJ set to fuel the festivities.

Their set coincides with the release of their brand new LP, Junto - and they’ll be joined on stage by Mixpak and The Heatwave. It’s all kicking off at the Red Bull Music Academy - don’t miss out on a killer set from this dance royalty duo.

Gaz’s Rockin’ Blues - Talbot Road, outside number 103

Infamous party patron Gaz Mayall is the fella behind this booming system of sound.

An iconic part of Notting Hill Carnival, this is the spot to tap your toes to an eclectic soundtrack of classic ska, rock, pop and punk hits - Gaz has been keeping the crowds moving since 1980s, always managing to whip up a frenzy on the dancefloor and across the streets of London.

CMC/Matrix - All Saints Road, opposite The Pelican pub

This one has dominated the Drum & Bass stage of Notting Hill Carnival for the past twenty years, and it will come as no surprise to hear that they’re offering the biggest, rowdiest and most raucous D&B sounds at Notting Hill Carnival.

Stop by All Saints Road and catch these fun time fellas in the action - you’ll find their beats pulsing through you, promise!

Channel One Sound System (we've added this one in) - corner of Leamington Road Villas and Westbourne Park Road

Channel One are a firm favourite for Reggae fans, played in the same spot for the past 20 years.

DJ Mikey Dread and his team fought hard this year to be able to play after Westminster Council told them they had to apply for a new permanent licence and residents objected.

Their popularity spoke for itself after more than 8,500 supporters signed a petition to ensure the council let them stay.

Expect big, peaceful crowds jamming away to DJ Dread's tunes which embody the spirit of Carnival.

After-Parties

Check out our favourites here.

Love & Liquor - 34 Kilburn High Road NW6 5UA

The Carnival spirit flows seamlessly into Love & Liquor after the outdoor activities come to a halt. Start the weekend with a bang at the Jungle Warehouse, Love & Liquor’s pre festival party - they’re inviting you to unleash your inner animal through the failsafe combination of classic cocktails, animal masks and a killer soundtrack of d&b, garage and hip-hop tunes.

If that wasn’t enough to whet your whistle, the rest of the weekend will be packed with Brazilian dancers, face painters and Caribbean themed cocktails, as well as a raucous party playlist from DJs Josh White and Jake Posner. £10 entry from 9pm.

Ministry of Sound - Faded Carnival After Party - 103 Gaunt Street SE1 6DP

The legendary super-club joins forces with Notting Hill Carnival to deliver a raucous and totally debauched after party - kicking off at 10pm and not rounding off until 5am, this one plays host to a mix of carnival beats and club classics, as well as a heady roster of top DJs.

Hear sweet beats across four rooms - this one is going to be big. From £10.

XOYO - 3-37 Cowper Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 4AP

East London party legends, Your Mum’s House, have teamed up with American Apparel to deliver an incredible Carnival after party at Shoreditch pleasure palace, XOYO.

Big name DJs, such as Stylo G, Woz and Syron will be spinning tunes on the decks, whilst American Apparel are offering loads of cool giveaways - just the cherry on your Carnival cake. £10 on the door from 9pm.

Carnival starts this Sunday (August 25) with Children's Day and finishes on Monday evening.