Meet the Mas Bands: Utopia Mas UK

With over 30 years experience in carnival arts, meet the family run mas band based in Bedford, Utopia Mas UK.

Utopia Mas Band UK (2021/2021) by Utopia Mas Band UKNotting Hill Carnival

Utopia Mas UK is a family run organisation who pride themselves on their extensive carnival arts knowledge. 

Utopia Mas Band UK (2004/2004) by Utopia Mas Band UKNotting Hill Carnival

David and Judith Brown have both been heavily involved in carnival since the 1980s, and they decided to culminate their knowledge in 2008 to create Utopia Mas UK. Now, both David and Judith are band designers, with Judith acting as Band Leader. 

Utopia Mas Band UK (2005/2005) by Utopia Mas Band UKNotting Hill Carnival

David and Judith Brown originally began Utopia as a children's band, however, over time, they evolved into adult costumes and subsequently attended Notting Hill and other regional carnivals. 

Utopia Mas Band UK (2008/2008) by Utopia Mas Band UKNotting Hill Carnival

Utopia Mas UK's Aims

Utopia strive to provide high quality costumes to their ever-growing membership, and expand their carnival experience to welcome newcomers and players from all over Europe. 

Utopia Mas Band UK (2013/2013) by Utopia Mas Band UKNotting Hill Carnival

They want to increase the participation of younger players, so that the culture of carnival is passed down through generations, and traditions can be safeguarded for future celebrations. 

Utopia Mas Band UK (2014/2014) by Utopia Mas Band UKNotting Hill Carnival

David and Judith Brown want to continue the tradition of large scale King and Queen costumes, which are an essential part of the history of mas. They want to incorporate this whilst pushing boundaries with making large scale wheelchair costumes. 

Utopia Mas Band UK (2013/2013) by Utopia Mas Band UKNotting Hill Carnival

Notable Band Members

As well as designers and founders David and Judith Brown, there are a number of other notable people in Utopia Mas UK who are essential to their smooth operation. 

Rowan Brown - Assistant Parade organiser

Monty Weeks - Road manager

Cameron Brown - Assistant road management 

Utopia Mas Band UK (2012/2012) by Utopia Mas Band UKNotting Hill Carnival

Notable Band Members

Bretnal Weeks - Security

Susan Walters – Marketing PR

Shana Gravelis – Photographer

Roy Gail – Photographer

Resident DJs - DJ Spy
DJ Drew
Cam3ron James

Utopia Mas Band UK (2018/2018) by Utopia Mas Band UKNotting Hill Carnival

Ultimately, Utopia's main desire is to provide a first class costume experience on the road, to make carnival as memorable as possible for all participants and carnival-goers. 

Watch Utopia Mas UK's 'Official Teaser' for Notting Hill Carnival 2016. 

If you've enjoyed getting to know Utopia, make sure you follow them on their socials for all upcoming projects: 

Instagram: @utopiamas
Twitter: @UtopiaMasUK
Facebook: @utopiamasband

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