Carnival arts · East London · Since 2000
Tropical Isles is a professional award-winning carnival arts organisation with creativity at its heart.
Costume, music and movement made on the streets of Hackney
About us
Since 2000.
Tropical Isles is an award-winning carnival arts organisation rooted in creativity and community.
Based at the Rose Lipman Building in East London, we design and make costumes and performances in collaboration with children, young people, professional designers and choreographers. Our year-round programmes nurture artistic talent, support emerging creatives and provide a safe, welcoming space for young people from Hackney and the surrounding areas.
We offer mentorship, friendship and a creative outlet — empowering those who may be socially excluded or disadvantaged. Each year we proudly take part in major carnivals and festivals, nationally and internationally, building creative confidence and inspiring the next generation of artists.
Intention —
Implementation —
Impact
01 · Intention
We aim to empower our diverse community by honouring individual voices, values and lived experiences. Through this, we create a platform for self-expression, cultural pride, and the development of trust, self-esteem and self-belief.
02 · Implementation
We keep culture alive by sharing stories from within our own environments — even in times of isolation. Through conversation, dance and music we explore how Carnival connects us, expresses our truths, and shapes the way we see and experience the world.
03 · Impact
Our goal is for each individual to leave a lasting legacy in the art form of Carnival — one that holds personal meaning and cultural value, and continues to inspire for generations to come.
Our impact · 2000 — 2026
Twenty-six years on the road.
10,000
Young people supported
Through our youth mentoring scheme, we offer a year-long programme for individuals aged 13–25. The initiative supports personal growth, builds confidence and technical skills, encourages teamwork, and promotes overall health and wellbeing—all while nurturing the next generation of creative talent.
5,000
Children in our programmes
Throughout the year, during the school holidays, Tropical Isles proudly hosts our seasonal camps, welcoming around 110 to 300 children aged 5 to 11. These vibrant camps are lively hubs of creativity, offering a rich mix of educational and fun activities that inspire learning and imagination.
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Carnivals & festivals · UK and abroad
Each year, we take part in major carnivals and events across the UK and internationally. By honouring festival and carnival traditions, we create meaningful opportunities for socially excluded and disadvantaged children and young people.
Events
Coming up this October
Dance
No. 01
Afrobeat and Soca music and movement
Wed 7 & Thu 8 October 2026 · Rose Lipman Building
Move and groove to the hottest Afrobeat and Soca vibes in two high-energy workshops exploring African and Caribbean dance traditions. Under 12s: Wednesday 6–7:45pm. Adults: Thursday 8–9:30pm. Free.
Storytelling
No. 02
Exploring Carnival Character Traditions
Thu 8 October 2026 · 4–6pm · Rose Lipman Building
Dive into the wild world of carnival characters and hear the stories that bring the costumes to life — the history and traditions behind Jab Jab, Jonkonnu and Pitchy Patchy. Free.
Workshop
No. 03
Wire Frame Backpack Workshop – Traditional Mas-Making
Fri 9, 16 & 23 October 2026 · 11am–4pm · Rose Lipman Building
Three practical workshops exploring the traditional wire-bending and mas-making techniques used in Carnival costume construction. Learn basic wire-frame skills and the craft behind Carnival mas. Free.
Exhibition
No. 04
Exhibition Launch – 60 Years of Carnival: Our Story
Thu 29 October 2026 · 6:30–9:30pm · Rose Lipman Building
Join us in person as we kick off a vibrant journey through six decades of Carnival — the colourful history and unforgettable moments that shaped our story. Free.
What’s on
Happening
Our Supporters
