Meet the Mas Bands: Flamboyan Carnival Arts
Originally based on All Saints Road in London, Flamboyan Carnival Arts have been affiliated with Notting Hill Carnival since 1985.
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Flamboyan Carnival Arts was formed out of two other bands in 1985, by Gloria Cummins from Elimu and Larry Forde from Sukuya. They were originally based in All Saints Road in West London, but after one year they moved to their current location on Fernhead Road and have been there to this day.
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While the arts around carnival are a main focal point. Flamboyan is also a community-based arts charity and as such have several programmes and workshops throughout the year around arts, culture, and heritage.
Take a look at some of their costumes from throughout the years.
Flamboyan Carnival Arts (2009/2009)Notting Hill Carnival
2009
With fire protruding from her body, this mas costume from 2009 shows a clear disparity between fire and ice, and as such produces an incredible dramatic effect.
Flamboyan Carnival Arts (2009/2009)Notting Hill Carnival
2009, The King of the Band
Also from 2009, this image shows the King of the band. Kings and Queens are a traditional part of playing mas and upholds the narrative displayed by the band. The King can be seen wearing an elaborate mask which is indicative of a traditional Caribbean carnival character, the Blue Devil, or Jab Molassie.
2009
Continuing the theme of Fire and Ice in 2009, here is an image of a male individual.
Flamboyan Carnival Arts (2015/2015)Notting Hill Carnival
2015
This striking image shows the King of the Band from Flamboyan Carnival Arts on the road at Notting Hill Carnival in 2015 reaching for a drink of water. Wearing a mask and a large costume, here we can see than Flamboyan uphold some of the cultural traditions of Caribbean mas.
Notable Members of the Band: Gloria Cummins
Some notable members of the Band are:
Gloria Cummins, one of the founders of the band, and a key community worker. She was originally a part of Elimu Mas Academy, before she came together with Larry Forde to form Flamboyan. Here she can be seen with band member Rosa in 2016.
Notable Members of the Band: Larry Forde
Alongside Gloria Cummins, Larry Forde came from Sukuya band to form Flamboyan Carnival arts in 1985, and is a key designer for the band. Here he can be seen with Rocky Byron in 2008.
Notable Members of the Band: Rocky Byron
Another notable member of Flamboyan Carnival Arts band is Rocky Byron (pictured), who is a visual artist, actor and constructionist for the band.
If you've enjoyed getting to know Flamboyan Carnival Arts, be sure to follow them on their socials:
Instagram: @flamboyan_carnival_arts
Twitter: @FlamboyanCommu1
Facebook: @TeamFlamboyam
