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... And with one million people expected to attend, it's good to know if there are places off the beaten track to visit!

From food, to dancing, to the amazing parade, Notting Hill Carnival is always bustling with music, sound systems and partying.

Plan where you want to go, memorise your schedule, and make sure to have fun!

Bars

Paradise By Way Of Kensal Green

Paradise By Way Of Kensal Green is planning a party marathon across the August Bank Holiday weekend, with the pub providing plenty of amazing Caribbean food and Paradise Punch.

Youtube star Eton Messy and Radio One DJ Benji B will be hitting the decks over the weekend to keep the dance floor filled until the early morning hours.

19 Kilburn Lane, Notting Hill, W10 4AE - 020 8969 0098

The Little Yellow Door

The Little Yellow Door is a cosy quiet spot in the midst of the Carnival madness, complete with video games, home-cinema system and delicious drinks.

Where better to take a relaxing break from the bustling carnival?

68 Notting Hill Gate, Notting Hill, W11 3HT - 07801 267854

Notting Hill Arts Club

Playing host to popular DJs and a fun-loving crowd, there is never a dull moment at Notting Hill Arts Club.

Just opposite Notting Hill Tube station, you really can't get much closer to the action: filled with DJs to keep the party going, Notting Hill Arts Club is perfect for a breather in-between the action.

21 Notting Hill Gate W11 3JQ - 020 7460 4459

Bar Ruma

Bar Rumba in Piccadilly will be joining in the August Bank Holiday weekend fun, bringing a Carnival fun to London for a four-day marathon.

Prepare yourself for a sea of extravagant feather head-dresses, glittering diamond bikinis and dancers bringing the Brazilian spirit ashore.

London Trocadero, 36 Shaftesbury Avenue, Piccadilly, W1D 7EP - 020 7287 6933

Sound Systems

Basement Jaxx @ Red Bull Music Academy

Electro dance royalty Basement Jaxx will be stopping in at the Red Bull Music Academy to play a special DJ set during the Carnival. The band will also be promoting their brand new LP, Junto.

They'll be joined by Mixpak and The Heatwave, so don't miss out on this great corner of Notting Hill Carnival!

Corner of Portobello Road and Acklam Road, W11 2DY

Gaz's Rockin' Blues

Gaz Block Rockin' Blues sound system (Gaz Mayall) has been entertaining Carnival crowds since 1980, with no signs of stopping!

Visit this sound system if you like classic ska, rock, pop and punk.

Mayall is Notting Hill through-and-through, so don't miss out on this classic DJ.

Talbot Road outside no.103, W11 1JR

CMC Matrix

CMC Matrix has been dominating the drum and bass stage at Notting Hill Carnival for 20 years, and offers the best in Carnival anthems.

Head to All Saints Road to catch them in the flesh!

All Saints Road, W11 1HE

Rampage

Rampage is one of the liveliest raves on the Carnival circuit, playing host in the past to acts such as Dizzee Rascal, Ms Dynamite, Sean Paul, and Tinie Tempah.

Join Rampage at Colville Square for a whole weekend of dancing.

Colville Square, W11 2BD

Channel One

Channel One is one of the world's greatest and best known dub reggae sound systems, run by Mikey Dread and featuring MC Ras Kayleb.

Running at Notting Hill Carnival for over 30 years, you can catch them at the junction linking Westbourne Park Road with Leamington Road Villas... Don't miss out!

Leamington Road Villas, W11 1HS

After-parties

Carnival Garden Party

For a carnival after-party like no other, head to North London's Egg club. With DJ sets by DJ Stephens, Jay Sun Bailante and QT2Hype, this party is not one to miss out on.

Complete with a Caribbean barbecue and delicious cocktails, this after party will keep the fun-loving atmosphere going all night.

Egg Club, 200 York Way, Barnsbury, N7 9AX - 020 7871 7111

The Hot Caribbean Carnival

Hip-hop, afrobeat, reggae and soca will be playing all night at this explosive after-party.

Based at the Islington O2, this after-party has been running for four years, and looks to be bigger and better this year, with Mike One and Private Ryan on the decks.

O2 Academy Islington, N1 Centre, Angel Central, 16 Parkfield Street, Islington, N1 0PS - 020 7288 4400

The Union Tavern

The Union Tavern will be offering a more laid-back after party experience.

With locally-sourced craft beers and a menu bursting full of fresh food dishes, The Union Tavern is a perfect spot to unwind and relax in after a day of Carnival fun.

The Union Tavern, 45 Woodfield Road, Notting Hill, W9 2BA

The Asylum Carnival After-Party

House and techno night Asylum returns for its annual Carnival after-party. With a line-up including DJ Majesty, Tazer, Jack Dee & Jake Walpole and B2B The Mistaa, don't miss out on this amazing post-Carnival fun.

Ministry of Sound, 103 Gaunt Street, Elephant & Castle, SE1 6DP - 0870 060 0010

For information on the schedule and timings for this year's Notting Hill Carnival, check out our guide.