Norman Jay MBE Joins the Mucky Weekender Line-Up for 2025

Mucky Weekender has announced another legend for its 2025 edition, with Norman Jay MBE set to appear at the festival for the very first time this September. His addition cements Mucky Weekender’s reputation for curating one of the UK’s most exciting and eclectic weekends of music, art and good vibes.

A true pioneer of British club culture, Norman Jay is recognised worldwide as one of the most respected DJs of his generation. Born in Notting Hill, his passion for music was sparked early, influenced by his father’s collection of ska, blue beat and jazz records. By the late 1970s, he had already earned a reputation as an authority on soul, funk, disco and jazz fusion.

After being inspired by New York’s club scene during trips to the city, Norman returned to the UK and, alongside his brother Joey, launched the now-legendary Good Times Sound System at Notting Hill Carnival. From there, he went on to co-found pirate radio station KISS FM, where he championed the Rare Groove sound, filling the airwaves and warehouse parties with 70s and 80s grooves and early house.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Norman became a key element of UK nightlife, co-founding High On Hope (the UK’s first Paradise Garage-style club) and then working alongside Gilles Peterson to establish Talkin’ Loud, a label that was at the forefront of Acid Jazz. His efforts not only aimed to shape a generation of DJs but they firmly pushed underground sounds into the mainstream.

His contributions and impact on music earned him an MBE from the Queen in 2002. Since then, his Good Times parties have become a byword for carnival spirit, and with the compilations and broadcasts of Good Times, he continues to keep the vibe of soulful and feel good club culture alive.

Well now, Norman Jay MBE is bringing that same vibe, passion and heritage to Mucky Weekender 2025, and I know that festivalgoers will be greeted with nothing less than pure Good Times on the dancefloor.

There are more acts to come, but Mucky Weekender is shaping up to be the biggest Mucky Weekender this year.