HYPE MAS - "THE HIDDEN REALMS" - Road Guide

Welcome and thank you for choosing to play with Hype Mas for your Notting Hill Carnival 2026 experience. This year, Notting Hill Carnival is celebrating 60 years and we are really excited to present to you ‘THE HIDDEN REALMS’, our official theme for the road on Monday 31st August 2026.

To ensure you are prepped and ready for a day of vibes, below is all the information you need to carry you through the Hype Mas Experience from start to finish.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Meeting Location

Our starting point is - Junction of Ladbroke Grove/Ladbroke Gardens, W11 2PF

You can also find our exact spot by clicking on the What3 Words link below: https://what3words.com/swim.stay.onion

Key Times

8:30am - 9:30am - Breakfast & Pre-Lime (Please note breakfast WILL NOT be served after 9:30am)

10am - Trucks Move Off

1pm - 3pm - Lunch

Kindly note that our move off time may change on the day due to the logistical coordination required with other bands and the operational control centre.

Wristbands

The correct wristbands which have been issued to you with your package must be worn on the correct day to ensure that you have access to the band. Without your wristband, you will not be permitted inside the ropes

Red Wristbands (Meat)

Blue Wristbands (Fish)

Green Wristbands (Vegan)

Lost Wristbands can be replaced at the cost of £200

Food Tokens

Food token will be attached to your wristband. These token can be used in exchange for a meal or snack.

Food WILL NOT be provided without this token

Trucks - Services

Truck 1 – Music, Refreshments & Toilets

Truck 2 - Music, Refreshments & Toilets

Section Order for Judging Point

Truck 1

·  Spirit Of Carnival

·  Emerald Kingdom

·  Solaris

·  Faelight Hallow

·  Sovereigns of the Sea

·  Embers

·  Celestial Blush

Truck 2

·  Mothers

·  Euphoria

·  Rhythm

·  Resistance

·  Legacy

·  Realm Breakers

Road Truck & Environment

We at Hype Mas understand that when you combine sweet Soca music with the Hype Mas experience anything is possible! So please refrain from dancing on the truck, dancing too close to the truck or using the truck as apparatus to hang/swing from, or to support your cheeky whine as the truck wheels can cause serious damage.

Please also be aware that sitting anywhere on the trucks is not permitted.

For your safety, please note that food or drinks will not be served at judging point or when we’re turning corners along the route. Additionally, there may be instances where music will be paused to facilitate the smooth and safe turning of the truck.

Your well-being is our top priority, and these measures are in place to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for everyone. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we prioritise safety during carnival.

No music will be played at 3pm as we observe a 72 second silence to remember the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire.

Backpacks

Backpacks are the sole responsibility of each masquerader and must not be stored on the truck.

Any backpacks found on the truck will be disposed of. To avoid this, please ensure you wear your backpack at all times.

When wearing your backpack, please remember to turn sideways when walking through the band. This will help prevent damage to your feathers and avoid causing inconvenience or injury to fellow masqueraders.

Personal Belongings

Please note that there is no storage available on the truck for personal belongings. Additionally, phones cannot be charged on the truck, as all power supplies are reserved strictly for operational purposes.

Lost Items & Valuables

Hype Mas does not take responsibility for any of your personal belongings or valuables (e.g. phones, wallets/purses etc).

Alcohol On the Road

As part of your carnival experience, we want to ensure the safety of all Masqueraders so PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY!!!

Hype Mas Bar Staff reserve the right to refuse alcoholic drinks if you are deemed too intoxicated. Any Hype Masquerader found providing drinks to non-Masqueraders will have their wristband removed and will be escorted from the band by security.

Good weather has been forecasted for the Carnival weekend and as seen recently even London can reach temperatures like never seen before, so we kindly urge all Masqueraders to please drink water regularly to remain hydrated on the road, be mindful of taking medications and drinking alcohol and please do NOT drink alcohol and drive. Drinks will only be served in the Hype Mas cup that has been provided. 

Zero Tolerance Policy

Any individual who displays aggressive or violent behaviour towards staff or fellow masqueraders will have their wristband removed, be ejected from the band and reported to the relevant authorities.

Your cooperation in maintaining a safe and respectful environment is appreciated.

As a simple precaution, we advise that all valuable items are to be left at home over the Carnival weekend. Personal belongings CANNOT be stored on the truck. Any items left will be removed and disposed of.

Hype Mas Team

Our friendly team, security and stewards are available to assist you at any point during the day. We are all working together to ensure your time on the road with us is a safe and enjoyable one. Please also work with us by taking note of all the information above and any requests made by us on the road. We truly appreciate your cooperation.

Thank you again for choosing Hype Mas as your band for 2026. We can’t wait to see you on the road!