For many of us ‘Carnivalians’ we were brought up in carnival. I couldn’t be more of a carnival baby. My parents met in carnival then had me (not a result of carnival day, don’t be so damn cheeky). I’ve been at carnival in costume every year since birth, attending even adults day from the age of 7/8, but I feel that this is no longer the norm.

Being a long term member of a very family orientated band, I have never questioned whether I would bring my children to carnival. The joy I felt from such a young age about carnival day has been something I definitely have to install into my kids.

It was always a routine for my mum and myself to be up at 6am with a cooler bag packed full of food for the day. Getting on the big red bus to our dressing point. My Aunty Joan ushering everyone to keep them on time. Walking around giving all the adults a tipple of rum to start off the day. I often used to remember feeling like I cant wait to see my kids preparing for carnival day.

However. There is a different point of view to mine and I have to agree with some parents on the current status of carnival.

First off the lack of actual kids bands has dramatically reduced. Many bands that once offered a full kids band have become a j’ouvert/Sunday Funday band. The unfortunate reality is that the nature of ‘Kiddies carnival’ doesn’t really exist anymore.

When you ask parents on the soca scene whether they’ll be bringing their kids to enjoy their culture first hand its usually a “no” or “when they are older”. With Notting Hill Carnival becoming a hub for crime the constant safety issue for the children is very concerning for most parents, causing them to wait until their kids are old enough to look after themselves. It can also be one of the most challenging days as a ‘Mas parent’ with your bag no longer packed with alcohol but with wet wipes, box juice, plasters, and sweets to keep them happy while you trying to whine on the sideline.

With all that being said if you are a parent that is looking for a mas band to get your children involved with for carnival day, I urge you to take them. There are still some bands at Notting Hill Carnival which caters for children and alternatively there are other carnivals in the UK which have smaller crowds and less crime. Your children will have such an amazing day.

Family orientated mas bands are very helpful and will tell you everything you need to bring on carnival day (if they don’t provide it for you already). As the UK season kicks off I will be posting more info on the best kids carnival bands, so keep your eyes out for this information.

I believe it is our duty to prolong our history and heritage. We need to educate our kids and make sure they are involved in our/their culture. Don’t get me wrong, I do love the idea of chocolate/paint mas, but I think it’s important that kids mas isn’t just an after thought or worse yet being forgotten. We want these kids to understand and respect our legacy and to do so I definitely think mas bands should be thinking about their children’s day mas.

What are your thoughts? Do you have kids, have you taken them to carnival?

If you are a mas band (from any carnival in the UK), please get in touch and let us know all about us. Email us here