Mas or Masquerade
The carnival costumes made for the processions and decorated floats

Steel Pan
Traditional instrument which is either static, or worn around the neck, from Trinidad

Calypso
Traditional Trinidadian political and satirical commentary set to music

Soca
High energy Trinidadian carnival music. 'Soca On The Move' refers to the soca music being played for the masqueraders costume bands also known as 'Carnival Mas Band'

Sound systems
Originally from Jamaica, playing hip hop, rnb, reggae, roots and culture calypso, soca music

Notting Hill Carnival has a host of events taking place throughout, be sure not to miss out!

MAS / COSTUME BANDS Mas Bands (Mas is short for Masquerade) or Costume Bands is one of the five diciplines of Carnival. The competition for best Mas on the Road is hotly contested. On Carnival Monday the bands compete along the route and hope to pick up points as they pass the judgeing point on Westbourne Park Road.

STEELPAN Notting Hill Carnival is the largest event showcasing the music and culture of Steelpan. The sound of Steelpan arrived in London in the early 50's when the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra came to celebrate the Festival of Britain. Steelband, as a twentieth century art-form grew side by side in popularity with Calypso. The Best Steelband on the Road will be decided at the judging point at Great Western Road.

SOUND SYSTEMS Static Sound Systems have become an integral part of Notting Hill Carnival with the sounds of reggea, roots, soca, calypso and hip hop. There are around fifty Sound Systems that can be found on most roads within the route.

Carnival Floats There are about 100 floats that participate over the two days of Carnival. Carnival costumes, colours and sounds including steel pan, Calypso and Soca Sound Systems travel the route, taking up to 8 hours.