2022 - HERITAGE AND LEGACY COSTUME

The Heritage and Legacy Carnival Costume reflects the history of the Association, the breadth of its activities and how its year long work over the decades, and the tireless work of its (mainly volunteer) staff makes Derby Caribbean carnival possible. It shows the depiction of the building of the West Indian Community in Derby and the transmission of West Indian culture.

The Costume shows the development and achievements of people from the Caribbean who moved to Britain since the 1940’s and up to the present day. It demonstrates the building of a social, family and community life to support unity and survival in a foreign land. DWICA established a Community Centre to support their activities, as a place to congregate and share common purposes and act as a facility for other communities.

The Carnival Costume shows DWICA logo and its various activities such as cricket, darts and dominoes. The colours of carnival costume; orange, gold/yellow and blue represent the strength, the spontaneity and cheerfulness of the West Indian Peoples.

The feathers represent strength, hope, freedom and spirit.  We celebrate our freedom. - Designed by Samantha Hudson, DWICA and Steven Hoyte of Rampage. Constructed by Steven Hoyte and DWICA Carnival Team.

2007 - Costume Making

Hard at work creating the 2007 costume! See the result on the next photo...

2007 - Final Costume

2012 - OLYMPIC – worn by Charlene Stephenson

This costume popped like a firework in a year of celebrations. 2012 was the year of the London Olympics, the Queen’s Jubilee and the 50th anniversary of the independence of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago. The costume’s pinks oranges and blues represent the shooting sparkles of fireworks as they light up the sky. The Olympics bring people together and celebrate the best of the best, like Caribbean Carnival, uniting people as one. Olympic troupe member ©SoShain Bali

2012 - INDEPENDENCE — worn by Alice Burton

The costume represents the Jamaica national bird, known as "Dr bird”. The swallowtail hummingbird of Jamaica is the most outstanding of 320 species. It is brightly coloured in aqua blue, shimmering emerald green and black. The hummingbird’s characteristics are its long tail and pointed beak. The beautiful colours are set out like the paradise from whence it came. The flaming red forest flower on the costume represents the national flower of Trinidad & Tobago, who were also celebrating their 50th year of independence. Image: the Independence troupe © Soshain Bali

2014 - ART QUEEN - worn by Maureen Mosley

A riot of paints and brushes bringing a vibrant splash of colour to the road and communicating the joy of making, and wearing, art. Maureen Mosley and Troupe ©SoShain Bali

2015 - FREEDOM OF YOUTH - Worn by Tamara Rashford

DESIGNED BY JESSICA KEMP & LAURA HILL This costume is a reflection on young women, nurtured by their community and families, who spread their wings and, with the exuberance of youth, start a journey. Exploring new horizons and their aspirations. Young women of Derby the sky is your limit. Image: Laura and Tamara during costume development ©SoShain Bali

2015 - WIDSOM IN MATURITY – worn by Maureen Mosley

With this costume we positively celebrated the Mature Women in our society. Appreciating and admiring the wealth of knowledge and skills gained over time through life’s experiences. The costume is made up of many layers representing every personal experience, event and memory amassed over time. The rich gold colours reflect the wealth of knowledge which lies hidden beneath. Scratch the surface and you will find treasure. Image: Maureen Mosely making her costume ©SoShain Bali

2015 - MOTHERHOOD – worn by Margaret Benjamin

The costume displays special maternal qualities of motherhood. Within her wings we find warmth and protection from the outside world in our most tender years. The heart of this mother burn bright with unconditional love, and as she opens her wings to set her children free, she offers her embrace to the community, radiating her love. Image: Jess and Margaret during costume development ©SoShain Bali

2016 - MAKING WAVES

The Queen of the Coral Reef is making waves to send a message out around the world. Like her net skirt, fishermen are dragging up seabeds, destroying sea life in search for profits. Our demands on the sea comes at a high price and our excessive pollutants destroy habitats and wildlife. This costume uses recycled materials, included plastics, which instead of clogging up the oceans create something beautiful. Our Queen celebrates the colourful beauty of our delicate coral reefs, clear waters and vibrant marine creatures. Long may she reign. Image: and troupe ©SoShain Bali

THE GOLDEN LOTUS - worn by Margaret Benjamin

A celebration of art and culture embedded in a spectrum of colour and light, reflecting our diverse communities. The lotus is a symbol of our journey to enlightenment because it is born out of murky waters. The 4 colours within the flower represent these precious values: honour and respect; love and compassion; wisdom and knowledge and inner peace and fulfilment. These values combine and colours turn to become gold, symbolising true enlightenment. The rainbow extends out to the community to nurture and encourage positivity and community spirit. Image©SoShain Bali

2016 - FATHER OF THE OCEANS

Our King represents father figures within our community. Drawing on the qualities of the male Seahorse who, contrary to traditional ideas of parenting, carries, protects and gives birth to his offspring. Our King reflects and embodies the Seahorse’s positive attributes. He is strong and powerful, yet caring and nurturing. With armour to defend and protect his family, they can find shelter within his gentle embrace. Images ©SoShain Bali

2016 - PRINCE OF THE SEA — Worn by Niaz Stephenson

This spirited young prince is full of life. He is heir to the throne, but until such time, the world is his oyster. There are adventures to be had and discoveries to be made all whilst dancing amongst the waves. Let us do all we can to secure his future, by taking care of his environment, the ocean kingdom. Images ©SoShain Bali

INDEPENDENCE - Worn by Alice Burton

Costume Title: "Independence" Construction: Jessica Kemp, Laura Hill & DWICA Mas Team Creation in progress, see the complete costume on the next image...

INDEPENDENCE - Worn by Alice Burton

The costume represents the Jamaica National Bird, known as "Dr Bird" The swallow tail Humming Bird of Jamaica is the most outstanding of 320 species. It is brightly coloured in aqua blue, shimmering emerald green and black. The Humming Birds characteristics are its long tail and pointed beak. The beautiful colours are set out like the paradise from whence it came. The flaming red forest flower on the costume represents the National Flower of Trinidad & Tobago, who are also celebrating their 50th year of independence.