Young Carnival Creators

Design and create your own Carnival costume inspired by sound system culture and migration. Participants are welcome to reflect on their own family stories and celebrate the collaborative histories that have shaped Notting Hill Carnival. 

Using the theme of the Pioneer Generation, you’ll explore the stories of Caribbean elders who helped shape Carnival culture in Britain and sound system culture. You’re invited to share and explore your own stories, heritage, and ideas. 

You will work with designer and artist Cee Boulaqui of Vibrance Mas to make your own Carnival costume using sustainable and recycled materials, creating bold pieces that tell a story and celebrate the people who came before you. You will perform wearing your costumes as part of the Children’s Day Parade at Notting Hill Carnival.  

To sign up, please fill out this online form

What you'll do

• Learn how Carnival costumes are designed and made 
• Explore how music, sound system culture and community come together to shape Carnival
• Discover the stories of Caribbean communities who shaped Carnival culture in Britain, alongside the wider Windrush generation, where sound system culture was not only heard on the street but lived in the home, to express identity and culture 
• Develop movement and performance through choreography 
• Work collaboratively, building confidence, communication and creative skills 
• Build connections and friendships that continue beyond the workshops and into the Carnival community 
• Perform in the Children’s Parade at Notting Hill Carnival Family Day 

Where is it?

Workshops are held in the Learning Space at the National Maritime Museum, on the museum's ground floor with step-free access. To find out more, read how to find the National Maritime Museum.   

The final performance will take place on Sunday 30 August at Notting Hill Carnival Family Day in West London. More details about the exact location and timings will be shared once the project begins. 

Who is it for?

• Young people aged 13–17 
• Live, work or study in Greenwich 
• No experience needed, just curiosity and creativity 

This project centres the Windrush generation and the role of sound system culture, from street corners to living rooms, as a source of community, identity and joy. We especially welcome young people who feel a connection to these stories through their heritage, family or community, including those who would like to honour parents, grandparents or elders through their work. 

When is it?

All Wednesdays in July from 5-7pm (1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 July)
All Wednesdays in August from 5-7pm (5, 12, 19 and 26 August)

Sunday 30 August – Performance at Notting Hill Carnival. This will be confirmed after the workshops start.

How can I join?

Please fill out an online form and we will email you. You will need to ask your parent or guardian to fill out some questions. We will contact everyone who applies via email.  

If you can't access the form or need to sign up in a different way, contact us. 

Contact us

Please email youngpeople@rmg.co.uk or text/call 07907 711159 if you have any questions.

Accessibility 

When we get your form, we will ask about any access or support needs you want to share so you can take part comfortably and safely. You can also contact us anytime to ask questions. 

• Some ways we can support you during the workshops before the Carnival 
• Step-free access 
• Accessible toilets 
• Quieter spaces with lower lighting 
• Regular breaks 
• Noise-cancelling headphones 
• Fidget toys 
• We can’t provide one-to-one support, but you’re welcome to bring a support worker or someone to help 

Please note, Notting Hill Carnival is a very busy and noisy event. We won’t be able to guarantee the above provisions for this event but hope to support participants to feel confident and ready to take part in this landmark event.  

Do I need to bring anything?

We provide all the art materials you need for your costume, plus some snacks. Workshops are free to attend. 

If you're worried about the costs of transport, please contact us. 

You're warmly invited to share and explore your own stories and heritage, if you want to bring any photographs or recordings with you, but you don’t have to.

Join our youth programme mailing list to get updates on the Saturday Art Club and other exciting opportunities. Please sign up by adding your email address in the section below.