This year’s Barking & Dagenham Carnival 2025 was extra special because of our amazing mentees, captured beautifully by @trinisinlondon. Many came to the Carnival Costume Design Workshop with zero design experience — yet through dedication, mentorship & the power of carnival arts, they developed their own designs, built their costumes & proudly took the stage. Don’t they look stunning !?

With @ukoncareers , carnival is never “just one day.” It’s about training, employability and confidence-building. equipping people with skills in design, teamwork, leadership & performance. It’s about eradicating loneliness & social isolation by bringing people together across ages, sizes, abilities and cultures.

Some mentees have joined us year after year & watching their confidence blossom as they showcase their work (and even perform alongside @triniboijoocie this year!) is proof of just how far they’ve come. Every single one of them should be proud of themselves. They’re not just learning. They’re THRIVING & honestly? Our mentees are giving professional designers a run for their money ! The future of carnival arts is HERE & it’s breathtaking.

If you see yourself, friend/ family – TAG THEM !! Or if you have any pictures or videos in your costume, don’t forget to tag us: #letscreate #bdcarnival