Meet the Bands: Fox/UFO
Centred around Children's Mas, Fox Carnival is a unique band which has morphed into Urban Fox Orchestra (U.F.O.) Steelband.
Fox Carnival Mas Band (2012/2012) by Fox CarnivalNotting Hill Carnival
Fox Carnival Mas Band
Based in West London, Fox Carnival was a unique mas band which was built entirely around children's art. They pride themselves on having worked with pupils from every primary school in North Kensington, and encouraging their expressive nature.
Fox Carnival Mas Band by Fox CarnivalNotting Hill Carnival
Fox celebrate children for being expressive, courageous and colourful.
Fox Carnival Mas Band (2006/2006) by Fox CarnivalNotting Hill Carnival
Be it decorated umbrellas, characters made of plastic bags, windsock fish, an explosion of love hearts or decorated brushes and brooms, Fox artwork was attached to tall poles and moved in unison to soca music, high above the heads of the crowd.
Fox Carnival Mas Band by Fox CarnivalNotting Hill Carnival
The poles provided props for children to dance with, giving them confidence. The art could be flat-packed and stored in small spaces, allowing the making process to be more inclusive and less of an imposition of schools that were already struggling with space and a busy curriculum.
Fox Carnival Mas Band by Fox CarnivalNotting Hill Carnival
400 characters pallancing from side to side, or going up north or down south in unison - the crowd loved Fox!
Urban Fox Orchestra (U.F.O)
After 17 years of children’s mas, Fox morphed into a steelband, Urban Fox Orchestra (UFO), which now operates with the same inclusive ethos, no competitions, everyone welcome, love the music, love Carnival!
Watch UFO's performance from Notting Hill Carnival Access All Areas 2020 here!
Fox Carnival Mas Band (2009/2009) by Fox CarnivalNotting Hill Carnival
Fox was run by Fiona Hawthorne, Liz Walker and Colin Salmon. Liz produced, Fiona art-directed, and Colin was “Captain Danceheart” who led the band on the road. Liz has now retired but Fiona and Colin have been joined by musical director Jason Constantine to lead UFO.
Fox Carnival Mas Band (2010/2010) by Fox CarnivalNotting Hill Carnival
If you've enjoyed getting to know Fox Carnival Band and UFO Steelband, be sure to follow them on their socials:
Instagram: @ufo_steelband
Twitter: @FoxCarnival
Facebook: @foxcarnival
