Jamaican Twist Carnival Float at Notting Hill Carnival Hot

TEST Who we are

Jamaican Twist Carnival Group was established in March 2002 as a MAS band organisation with the objective of promoting, preserving and representing the rich diversity of Jamaica. Inspired by Jamaica’s national motto, ‘Out of many, one people’, which refers to the island’s multicultural heritage, we recognise the many different peoples and backgrounds that make up the true flavour of the culture.

Our Jamaican Twist float – known as a ‘band’ – binds people of all ages and backgrounds to bring an energetic blend of colourful costumes, dancing and music to Carnival.

We are a multiple-award winning Carnival Group and we endorse the heritage and traditions of carnival, particularly of the Notting Hill Carnival and strive to embrace and include new styles, forms and practices. We provide people with the opportunity to perform as part of a major spectacle that explores multiple meanings and different genres, allowing for experimentation within the carnival tradition.

The fusion of influences from Europe, Africa and India greatly assisted in the
evolution of our MAS band and we are constantly developing and changing in order to continue to introduce new ideas, styles and forms into carnival.

Who is involved?
The organisation is managed by an executive committee which oversees the planning and execution of all aspects of the yearly production of the carnival presentation. Jamaican Twist comprises of members of the Fusion Hi-Power Sound System, Jamaican Twist representatives, volunteers, members and participants.

Number of participants: 1,000
Number of members: 300
Number of volunteers: 25
Number of social network: In excess of 1,000 individuals

Our annual partners
Jamaica Tourist Board
Miss Jamaica UK (Beauty Pageants)
Umbela Arts (Brazilian Dance Group)




How our group promotes Jamaica
The creativity of the group has been tried and tested, having experimented with a variety of concepts and design styles in our costumes. This has enabled us to capture the full essence of Jamaica and to represent the island through our imaginative themes such as the ‘Doctor Bird’, ‘Ackee and Saltfish' and Anancy stories. In 2011 our theme is Bob Marley.

Throughout the year, our costumes are displayed and showcased at various UK public events in major cities and towns.

In 2011 we will be at the following events:-

• Notting Hill Carnival
• Jamaica Basic School Foundation Fun Day
• Birmingham Carnival
• I love Jamaica

In 2012, to celebrate the run up to the 50th year of Jamaican Independence and in order to create awareness, appreciation and understanding about the link between Jamaica and the UK, there will be an acknowledgment within our costume collection of the Olympic year and recognition of the current role models and heroes presently known to youngsters.