Flamboyan Carnival band has been established since 1986. The band come from a French Colonial tradition and have approximately 80 members. Flamboyan Carnival band is the only black owned and run organisation for carnival with its own premises.

Members are encouraged to become involved in the making of the costumes and running of workshops, run outside of the carnival period, when many people join in the process of making costumes, doing make-up, sewing, wrapping structures, making templates etc.

The organisation is well known locally, as they also run a sports section; running after school clubs, summer projects including Carnival projects in local schools.

People of all ages and abilities are welcome to become involved, and for those who cannot come to the premises - the project is taken to them.

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An exhibition and book featuring Flamboyan, the original and most celebrated West London Carnival band. 6th October - 15th November 2008 londonprintstudio Gallery 425 Harrow Road, W10. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 - 6:00pm, admission is free. Carnival Flamboyan Book launch Thursday 30th October 2008

Carnival comes alive with this exhibition of photographs and costumes celebrating life on the road with Flamboyan at the 2008 Notting Hill Carnival.

Photographer John Philips documents the Carnival Experience from the perspective of a band member - revealing the climax of festivities and some more reflective moments. This year Flamboyan marks it 21 years as a carnival band by launching 'Carnival Flamboyan' - a book of spectacular images and text about Carnival and Flamboyan.

The Flamboyan band has about 300 members, and is strongly influenced by the Trinidadian Carnival tradition. Over the years it has drawn a huge audience and attracts local legends like nu-soul singer Omar, who keep this tradition alive.

'There was born a sense of play and carnival was the answer!' says Flamboyan co-founder and carnival legend Larry Ford. 'Each year we return to Trinidad for its all inclusive Carnival Party. And we bring that tradition back to the streets of London.'

Notting Hill is the largest carnival in Europe. In the Caribbean tradition, families, friends and neighbourhoods join Mas Camps where costumes and performances are meticulously designed and rehearsed before the band takes the road to party. There is intense organisation and planning. At Flamboyan, all sorts of people are involved throughout the year. Not all go on the road with the band - some enjoy making and designing costumes for other people to wear. Based locally in Fernhead Road, Flamboyan attracts participants from many different cultures. The 2008 costumes featured in the exhibition and book were designed by Larry Ford, Gloria Cummins and Stedroy Blade.

John Phillips who photographed Carnival Flamboyan says 'Carnival naturally attracts photographers. But standing behind the fence they fail to capture its spirit. This exhibition is a series of photographs of one band and its experience over two days on the road. Its images are from the perspective of the players themselves.'

This exhibition and book launch are held in Black History Month and feature the artwork and creativity that make Notting Hill Carnival a magnificent spectacle each year.

This exhibition runs from 6 October to 15 November 2008 in the londonprintstudio gallery at 425 Harrow Road, London W10 4RE. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30am to 6.00pm, and admission is free.

The accompanying book, 'Carnival Flamboyan' includes 80 pages of full colour photography featuring the spectacular costumes of Flamboyan. The book launch party will be held in the londonprintstudio gallery on Thursday, 30 October, 2008, from 6.30pm to 9.00pm.

Carnival Flamboyan
Photographs by John Phillips
80 pages
Published by londonprintstudio
Paperback price: £16.95
ISBN: 978-0-9537974-2-4
Hardback price: £19.95
ISBN: 978-0-9537974-1-7
To order copies of the book
Email: info@londonprintstudio.org.uk
Phone: 020 8969 3247