Preston Masquerade Camp (Workshops)

Some of Preston’s Carnival designers spend most the year refining their extravagant costumes in order to make sure they are better than the other bands in the procession. The costumes are made in what is called Mas Workshops.

Masquerade dates far back to a time when black slaves in the Caribbean were forced to provide entertainment for their masters during the traditional imported European Carnival, which took place before Easter.

By the late 19th century the Caribbean Carnival became heavily influenced by the soci-cultural plight of slaves and African traditions in which characters with personalities began to materialise. The wearing of masks, often grotesque with huge white heads mimicking and satirising former owners, became very popular during festivals.

The Preston mas workshops normally start in April and consisted of two stages. The first is the ‘Design Stage’; this is to enable interested groups (bands) to begin to develop their ideas with our chief workshop artist – Jane Blackburn. Groups are offered support and guidance in the appropriate use of materials for their costumes.

The second stage is the ‘Construction Stage’; this section is normally the longest and requires great commitment from all band members. It is important to make sure everything is ready for the costume competition to find the King and Queen who will lead the procession.

The work is challenging and the workshops are fun.

If you want to put a band into the Caribbean Carnival procession 2007 and the chance to access our masquerade workshops, just click on the link below and complete the application form.

Click here to download Band/Individual Registration Form