For this month’s Artworks, ahead of Nottingham Carnival, we spoke to Solomon Lewis Hunter, who leads and designs costumes for the local carnival troupe Inspire Urself.
This costume is named Rhythm of Bay Street. It’s a celebration of the vibrant pulse of Bahamas festival Jukanoo – a carnival costume inspired by the energy of Bahamian brass bands.
Rising from a dramatic high-centre display are cowbells, trumpets, saxophones, and horn motifs - capturing the full force of a brass band in motion. A silver saxophone anchors the centrepiece, tying the elements together in a bold spectacle.
This design channels Junkanoo’s sound, movement, and soul. It brings to life the electrifying chaos of a Bahamian rush-out, where the rhythm of drums and brass carries masqueraders forward and the streets echo with music and tradition.
I’m a Black carnival artist from Nottingham, costume designer, and cultural storyteller. My journey into carnival arts began in 2013 with Zodiac Allstars, a troupe that taught me the fundamentals of costume creation and community spirit. It was there that I crafted my first costume, inspired by Jamaican Independence Day, and felt the thrill of watching something I’d made come alive on the road.
That experience sparked a passion that’s only grown stronger. Through Zodiac Allstars, I connected with international carnival artists and later trained with the renowned Junkanoo Commandos in the Bahamas.
In 2017, with support from Arts Council England, I founded Inspire Urself: a carnival troupe for young people and adults. Our mission is to create opportunities through costume, dance, mentoring, and touring. Every year we explore new themes - like Asia, Aztec empires, and Willy Wonka. Our troupe has proudly earned titles like EMCCAN (East Midlands Caribbean Carnival Arts Network) Carnival Prince and King and Nottingham Carnival Queen.
Young people are at the heart of my work. There’s something empowering about watching someone put on a costume and transform – suddenly they’re more confident, expressive, and free. Carnival gives people permission to shine, and I’m committed to nurturing the next generation of carnival artists who will keep that spirit alive.
Behind the scenes, EMCCAN is essential. Their support helps artists like me access resources, training, and national visibility. EMCCAN’s commitment to developing the carnival arts ecosystem has been vital to both my personal growth and the success of Inspire Urself.
I create most of my work at City Arts Nottingham, where I’m a resident artist. With backing from Arts Council portfolio funding, City Arts provides crucial space for artists to explore and collaborate.
Looking ahead, I hope to take one of our volunteers to the Bahamas to experience Junkanoo firsthand. Offering real-world cultural exchange is the next step in inspiring future leaders in carnival.
Nottingham Carnival takes place on 17 August 2025 at Victoria Embankment.
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