For the first time, revellers Sasha-Lee Lounds and Moya Spencer, Carnival in Jamaica, delivered exactly what they had seen from afar and more. 

For Sasha-Lee, a Jamaica-born Brit working as a care leaver’s personal advisor in England, the decision to experience carnival came from a need to step away from the emotional weight of her job.

Supporting young adults transitioning out of foster care, she said, can be demanding and Carnival offered a rare opportunity to reset. “I just wanted a moment to be free, “ she shared.

Though she migrated to London at a young age, Sasha-Lee still considers herself deeply connected to her roots, describing herself as a country girl at heart, from Linstead to London. 

Lounds said hesitation initially came down to cost.

“I always wanted to jump, but wasn’t sure if it was worth it “ she shared. “Then I saw a friend’s experience and decided to try it for myself” That led her to Yardmas.

After comparing options, she said the decision came down to the overall experience. “If I’m going to do it, I want to do it properly,” she said. She described her first Carnival as “magical” highlighting the organisation on the road, the consistent service, and the sense that the revellers were being looked after throughout the day. The presence of a visible medical team and the overall structure of the band stoo out. “It just felt well thought out.”

For Moya Spencer, 24, the experience was just as memorable.

She was introduced to Canrival through the brand Hennessy which gifted her a Yardmas costume, giving her the opportunity to be part of the road for the first time. “It felt like everything just came together at the right time”, she said

What stayed with her the most however, was the atmosphere. “You’re seeing people from all over the world fully immersed in Jamaican culture, and everyone feels welcome”, she said.

Both women said they would do it again, pointing to the mix of music, movement and community as what makes carnival in Jamaica distinct. Their experiences reflect a growing group of first time revellers who are choosing structured band experiences that prioritise organisation, safety and overall quality, particularly as Carnival continues to attract a wider international audience.