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100 Years of Carnival
100 Years of Carnival
Your memories. Your Carnival. Your archive.
Your memories. Your Carnival. Your archive.
We’re building a living archive shaped by the community—capturing the stories, images and experiences that define Carnival in Waltham Forest, and exploring its deep Caribbean influences.
Do you remember the Young People’s Caribbean Carnival or Leyton Carnival from the 1990s through to the 2010s?
We want to hear from you.
Share your memories, photos and stories
Contribute flyers, programmes or memorabilia
Help preserve this history for future generations
No experience is needed—just a willingness to take part and share what you remember.
Selected contributions will feature in a public display at the reopened Vestry House Museum and be preserved in the Waltham Forest Archives.
To get involved or find out how to donate or share copies of your materials, contact:
vhm.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk
100 Years of Carnival in Waltham Forest
100 Years of Carnival in Waltham Forest
Waltham Forest has been celebrating Carnival for over 100 years. Borough archives trace parades back to the 1890s, with photographs and council records capturing how Carnival has evolved across generations.
The borough is home to pioneers connected to Notting Hill Carnival, including Trinibago, followed by the next generation of premier league Más bands such as Inspiration, M2K, Soca Mas and UCOM.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, the Leyton Young People’s Carnival—later Leyton Carnival—was a highlight of the borough’s annual Get Together programme. Schools across Waltham Forest took part in workshops, leading into a vibrant parade along Leyton High Street. The day culminated in live music, headline performances, and family activities at Leyton Sports Ground, bringing communities together in celebration.
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