How can you tell that the Notting Hill carnival season is approaching? It’s not through official announcements; authorities typically remain silent until at least two months before the event. Instead, it’s the masquerade bands that begin their preparations early to ensure a successful year.
On Saturday 6 December, the first band to launch was United Colours of Mas (UCOM). Their theme for 2026 is titled “Heaven on Earth,” and the launch took place at Sugar Studios, SE10 0PA.
Other bands have also announced their themes and launch dates for this year’s Notting Hill Carnival, giving masqueraders an early glimpse of what to expect at their official launches. Here is a list of the bands that have announced their themes so far:
• ABIR Mas – Celebration
• Carnival Revellers – Ocean Wonders
• Caribbean Sessions Mas – Olympus
• Colours Carnival – Mas: Expression of Freedom
• Funatik Mas & Onturaj Mas – Untold Stories
• Gemz Mas International – Fire In The Sly
• Island Mas UK – Tales of Voyage (launching Sat 7 Mar 2026)
• Magical Mas – The Rainbow Within
• Mangrove Carnival – Eden Reborn
• Reign Mas Band – Whispers of the Sahara
• UCOM – Heaven On Earth (launched on Sat 6 Dec 2025)
• Utopia Mas UK – Heart & Soul
For updates on band launches and activities in mas and carnival, visit socanews.com.
