Eye-catching costumes set for 2026 UWI CARNIVAL
Eleven bands are participating in this year’s UWI Carnival and, according to Tajay Gardner, of The UWI Guild’s Cultural and Entertainment Affairs Committee, there will be a few changes to this year’s road march.
“The Ring Road will have a few changes. Firstly, we will be implementing elements of the Mas of Westeros theme to increase engagement and overall experience. Secondly, if you want to enjoy the Ring Road hassle-free, join a band and get your drink bands secured. And, lastly, we will be going straight into bands festival right after the Ring Road,” Gardner told the Jamaica Observer at the 2026 band launch event which took place on Friday, February 20 inside Students’ Union.
He shared that the series of events leading up to as well as the road march are strongly supported by the wide student population.
“The student body is very supportive for these events, because this is the most anticipated event for the year,” said Gardner.
At the band launch, costumes were modelled by students from the various halls. As they glided down the runway to hot soca tracks, courtesy of DJ Heatwave, fellow students cheered on from the sidelines.
Costume themes include House Greyjoy by AZ Preston, House Lannister by Chancellor Hall, House Baratheon by Commuters, House Stark by Elsa Leo Rhynie (Towers), House Mormont by George Alleyne Hal, House Mallister by Leslie Robinson, House Swann by Mary Seacole, House Martel by Red Nettleford, and House Arryn by Taylor Hall.
“All the designers for the costumes are from Jamaica,” shared Gardner. “Some have an established business, while on the other hand some are up-and-coming student designers mainly from UWI and the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts.”
Of note, on this year’s UWI Carnival calendar are J’Ouvert on March 13, Ring Road and Bands Festival set for March 14, and Beach Carnival Party on March 15.
The Western Jamaica Campus is represented by this model in the theme House of Tyrell. (Photo: Fiwicampus)
House Swann by Mary Seacole Hall(Photo: Fiwicampus)
This student from George Alleyne Hall exudes confidence in this costume dubbed House Mormont.(Photo: Fiwicampus)
A student from the Elsa Leo Rhynie Hall models a carnival costume dubbed House Stark.(Photo: Fiwicampus)
