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Nottingham's National Touring Carnival Troupe
Inspire Urself Carnival Troupe
While maintaining that everything from costume design to production, marketing team to the musical entertainment, remain authentic to our theme's, Inspire Urself Carnival Troupe is committed to offering a environment of Family – familiarity, comfort, diversity and safety – the Ultimate Carnival Road Experience. A “small troupe size with a big troupe vibe”, is Always our type of Mas.
2017 - Egyptian Mythology
Inspire Urself made its debut for Nottingham Carnival with Egyptian Mythology . Small in number, but big on vibes and feathers, we made our presence known as an all-inclusive troupe offering a different style and quality of costumes giving our adults and young people something to relate to. Supported by Arts Council England winning best stage performance at Nottingham carnival, 1st Nottingham Queen and 2nd EMCCAN Queen.
2018 - Aztec Playmas
After a very successful and strenuous post touring season, Inspire Urself Carnival Troupe invested in our new motto free up and have some fun. So we painted the Streets in costumes of red, yellow, purple and blue with our presentation of Aztec's Playmas — bright, glowing in the dark and jump up soca!
Also winning EMCCAN - Carnival King 2018, Nottingham Carnival King 2018 and 2nd Leeds King 2018.
2019 - Pure Imagination
Inspire Urself Carnival Troupe exploded on to the 2019 carnival scene with their biggest carnival tour 2 date. Funded by Arts Council England, the troupe opened Wonka's Chocolate Factory introducing us to a world of Pure Imagination. The troupe brought the colours of Mardi Gras to the UK carnival road with large costumes based on Willy Wonka, Wonka's beloved mother and The Heart of the Story. Achievements - 2nd EMMCAN Carnival Queen Show, 1st Nottingham Queen, 3rd Leeds Queen Show. Nottingham Carnival Stage Performance 2nd Place, Nottingham Carnival Overall 3rd Place
2020 & 2021 - Covid Cancelled
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nottingham Carnival was cancelled, reflecting the widespread disruption of cultural events across the country. Traditionally a vibrant celebration of Caribbean music, dance, and community, the carnival’s cancellation was a significant loss for performers, vendors, and attendees. Organizers emphasized that public health and safety were paramount, while communities felt the absence of an event that normally brought people together in joy and unity.
2022 - Asia Light
Step into Asia, a theme that immerses you in the richness of Chinese culture and artistry. Inspired by centuries of tradition, this theme blends vibrant colors, natural materials, and symbolic motifs to create a space of harmony and sophistication.
Deep imperial reds and golds evoke prosperity and elegance, while jade greens and porcelain whites bring balance and serenity. Materials like bamboo, silk, lacquered wood, and ceramics reflect the craftsmanship and natural beauty central to Chinese heritage.
Intricate dragon and phoenix motifs, floral patterns, and geometric lattice designs pay homage to timeless symbols of power, fortune, and harmony. Calligraphy-inspired typography and soft lantern lighting add cultural depth and a warm, inviting ambiance.
2023 - Colour Clash
These carnival costumes are a bold celebration of colour in motion. Crafted from soft cotton and hand tie-dyed, they feature contrasting sections—greens and blues in one, purples and pinks in another—designed to clash and complement simultaneously. As the parade moves, the colours appear to blend and shimmer together, creating unexpected and dynamic patterns that dazzle the eye. Beads and decorative headbands catch the light, enhancing the vibrancy. This theme is all about experimentation—showing how colours collide, mix, and transform, turning the carnival into a living, moving canvas of creativity.
2024 - Atlantis
The troupe embodied the lost world of Atlantis, where mystery and splendour once flowed beneath shimmering waves. Their body costumes shimmered in deep oceanic blue, silver, sunlit yellow, and soft pink, capturing the glow of an ancient empire. Every movement echoed the artistry and elegance of a bygone civilization, from the sparkling patterns of their attire to the fluid, dance-like gestures. The performance celebrated the grandeur of Atlantis, turning the past into a living, dazzling spectacle of youth, colour, and motion.
2025 - JUNKANOO
Pure Bahamian magic came alive as the Inspire Urself Carnival Troupe stormed the road with color, music, and unstoppable energy!
Featuring award-winning costumes—The Rhythm of Bay Street, The Hands of Junkanoo, and Atlantis: The Waves of the Ocean—the troupe burst into Glorious Pink, Electrifying Yellow, and Tangy Orange, moving to the infectious rhythm of Bay Street.
They paraded like it was the real Bay Street showdown—drums pounding, feathers flying, and the crowd ignited—because everyone knew one thing for sure… It was better in the Bahamas!
Education/Arts
Touring
