Omnia & Notting Hill frequently asked questions

Here to help you have the best carnival…

Whether a mas and carnival expert, partied with Omnia before or you’re just intrigued about how to be a part of a Notting Hill Carnival parade and want to learn more. Check out some of our most frequently asked questions to discover the Omnia experience…

If you’re still stuck, need more assistance or have any questions about your order, please do not hesitate to get in touch on info@omniacarnival.com.

FAQ’s…

What is a carnival mas band?

Mas Bands are one of the ‘five key arts’ of Notting Hill Carnival. Mas, short for ‘masquerade’! Get involved with Omnia, and you can dress in costumes (male and female), With or without feathers and headpieces; to dance through the parade route. Each costume brings an artistic narrative to the heart of carnival, and we encourage party & carnival-goers to join Omnia’s band and play Mas in 2025.

What is the deadline for Registration?

OMNIA Carnival Notting Hill Mas Band Online Registration is OPEN from April 20th until 31st JULY 2025 or when sections are SOLD OUT. Registration ENDS at MIDNIGHT on 31st JULY 2023 or when the last costume is sold.

What are my payment options?

All major Credit and Visa Debit cards as well as PayPal (Pay in 3) are accepted for online payments; we use industry leader STRIPE to process payments securely.

Where can I register for one of your private sections?

You will need to contact the designers directly:

Emmie Gildharie

Can I get a refund if I no longer wish to partake?

Omnia Carnival does not offer refunds as standard. *

Costumes are made to your provided measurements, therefore a customised item. We recommend that you measure yourself before ordering your sizes. Please do not size up or down unless indicated otherwise.

*If your costume has a manufacturing flaw, our team will happily fix this. In the unlikely case this is not possible, we will make an exception to the rule and come to an agreeable financial compensation.

Can I order extra items with my costumes?

The costumes may have different additional options. These options, if available, will be shown on the registration page.

Costumes may come with options for larger headpieces, collars and other embellishments at an additional cost. If these options are available, they will be detailed on the registration page and in the section photo galleries, along with the cost attached.

What happens if Notting Hill Costumes are Sold Out. Can I be placed on a waiting list?

OMNIA Carnival does not maintain a waiting list; however, there are rare instances where a masquerader may cancel their order and notify us. Please email info@omniacarnival.com, and we will try our best to get you a costume; however, we can’t make any promises.

I’ve purchased a costume from another masquerader. How do I transfer the costume to my name?

OMNIA Carnival does not facilitate costume transfers. However, we allow such. Please ensure you receive a letter from the original costume owner authorising you to collect on their behalf. This letter must be accompanied by a copy of the original owner’s ID. Alternatively, the original owner can send an authorisation email to info@omniacarnival.com from the email address used when purchasing their costume.

How do I get my costume?

All costume orders are treated as pre-orders. Our fulfilment window is Aug 1st – 21st. There are two methods of getting your costume (physically).

1 – Delivery of eligible items will be made via DHL.

2 - Specialist deliveries (backpacks, collars and feathers) can be organised with Carnival Concierge and start at £20

3 – Collection at our distribution centre either on the dates/times selectec on checkout.

Do I need an ID to collect my costume?

Yes, you will only be given a costume with your ID providing that you are the purchaser or the named collector on our system.

I’m unable to collect my costume. Can another person collect on my behalf?

Yes. You can add an Authorised collector during the checkout process or email us at info@omniacarnival.com to inform us. All collections require a valid photo ID.

What if I don't have a UK Shipping address?

If you reside outside the UK, you can either have your costume shipped to a contact in the UK, or collect it at one of our distribution locations.

When is costume distribution?

Your Costume Distribution slot and location options will be offered and confirmed on checkout, these will be 3/4 dates in the fortnight before Notting Hill Carnival and will be located at a London location.

What to bring

  • Printed copy of your receipt
  • Your ID
What do I get when I come to costume distribution?

You will receive your costume as per your order, an OMNIA Carnival goodie bag filled with carnival essentials & OMNIA Carnival wristbands.

PLEASE NOTE: Your costume is not complete without your wristbands; masqueraders not wearing the full costume of the section registered in and their wristbands will be removed from the band.

I have a comment/complaint – who do I speak to?

Please send any comments to info@omniacarnival.com or via our contact form.

What do OMNIA Carnival’s all-inclusive package include?

OMNIA Carnival’s all-inclusive package includes bottomless premium beverages, meals, snacks, security, a music truck, an all-star international DJ cast, on-site first aiders, mobile restrooms and your costume.

What events do you host annually?

OMNIA Carnival’s annual events include our Band Launch/Costume Presentation. Our partner & affiliate, Busspepper, hosts monthly events in London throughout the year. You can get more info at www.busspepper.com

Can I wear or design my own costume?

No. OMNIA Carnival does not allow masqueraders to design their costumes. You MUST wear your full OMNIA Carnival costume together with OMNIA Carnival wristbands to be within the ropes of the band. Any person with only one or the other will be escorted out of the band.

Can my partner/husband/wife jump in the band?

OMNIA Carnival only allows paying masqueraders to jump in the band. Non-masqueraders may observe from the sidelines outside the band. However, they will not be allowed to participate.

Where does the band meet?

The starting point is in the Ladbroke Grove area – check your inbox/social media for a specific location. This will be available at costume distribution.

What time does Mas Parade begin?

The start time will be confirmed in your information pack, which will be made available to all registered masqueraders digitally.

I still have questions and need to know more?

Please email info@omniacarnival.com with your questions.

We’d be delighted to help.