Carnival in Bermuda features a special event for young people this year. Aimed at sparking creativity and inspiring future involvement, students aged 8 to 16 were invited to submit original costume designs. Three finalists will be selected and guided through the costume-making process by Barbie Paynter, a renowned designer whose work has been showcased both locally and abroad.

“The initiative is basically to get Bermuda's younger generation involved in trying to keep the culture of Carnival local.

“I was a participant in a workshop that Nova Mas held in 2019 unaware that it was supposed to be a competition following that ― I just went to the workshop to learn the background of how to do carnival design,” said Ms Paynter.

Her mentorship will provide something similar. “My goal is to teach them what the meaning of Carnival is, because a lot of people don't understand what significance Carnival has to Bermuda.

“Even though we didn’t start doing Carnival [as early as] the rest of the islands, it still is significant to us, just as Cup Match is, just as the Gombeys [are]. It’s all a part of the end of slavery, it’s celebrating the end of slavery.”

Finalists will learn about Carnival’s role and its history, and under the guidance of Ms Paynter, learn how to properly design and create their own costumes.

“I’m still a rookie in the industry, but because I have a creative background, it helped me better understand the concepts of what other designers do.

“I’ve had a few mentors on my own that I've reached out to over the years just to understand certain things.”

Her biggest struggle now is finding the materials she needs locally, to create her designs.

“I have to import everything that I use. I have to fly out, I have to use my connections from Trinidad, from New York, to get the things that I want to be able to create the look that I'm going for. That's my biggest challenge as a designer.”

The Carnival in Bermuda Kiddies Costume Design invited students to submit one or two original sketches and an artist’s statement inspired by the theme, Carnival Through My Eyes. Ms Paynter has been impressed by what she has seen so far.

“The few that I have seen are very creative for the age group that they are. I have to commend them. They definitely have an eye. But I'm excited. I'm excited to work alongside them. I'm excited to pass on my knowledge from what I've learnt as a designer and, hopefully, in the next few years, we can have more Bermudians. I'm not expecting to be the only one for ever,” she said.

The finished costumes will debut at the Family Fete on June 11 as part of the official Carnival in Bermuda weekend celebrations.

“The initiative is about more than just design; it celebrates cultural expression, youth empowerment, and community connection through the vibrant lens of Carnival,” a spokesman said. “The top three finalists will receive a monetary gift, sponsor prizes, and recognition across Carnival in Bermuda’s platforms.”

The hope is to get younger people interested and learn a bit about the history behind Carnival, Ms Paynter added.

While some may not see Carnival as a significant part of our history, the Caribbean heritage shared by many Bermudians tells a different story.

“Carnival in Trinidad and Carnival in Bahamas, as I know it, were a celebration of the end of slavery.

“The costumes [were initially] to mimic the masters that they had. But then, over time, they evolved and turned into what they are now,” she said.

“My goal as a mentor is to teach the children what carnival can be, what Carnival can mean to Bermuda.

“There is a stigma – that all it is is a party on the road wearing no clothes. That's what a lot of people look at it as, and it's really not that.”

With her help, the finalists will understand the history behind the event and be able to share it with others.

“It’s history. It’s not our history but it's something that we should feel connected to because of Bermuda’s strong Caribbean ancestry.”

As an artist, she’s excited about the potential for developing the skills of young creatives.

“I've been an artist since I was 8 years old. And if they would have had this when I was 8 years old, I knew I definitely would have signed up.

“When Carnival first came to Bermuda in 2015 I was looking at the costumes, and thinking, ‘I could make these; I could do this’.”

The first costume she bought was only to take apart so she could figure out how to make one herself.

“I just started doing stuff on my own. Not necessarily for Carnival, but just doing it and posting it. And that's how I built up my skill set. And then when they had the workshop, I was contacted by Nova Mas to see if I wanted to participate and I participated, not knowing that it was going to be a competition. I had no idea that's what they would do,” Ms Paynter said.

She was one of six people selected to be paired with a Trinidadian designer.

“He taught us about Carnival. What it is and its significance to the rest of the islands which made me appreciate it a little bit more, because I love Cup Match. And so when I realised that it [had a similar origin] it kind of made me want to go deeper into it. And that's how I flourished.

“I say that Bermuda is my stepping stone. I have designed for two other islands since Bermuda, nothing big but, my goal is to eventually be able to design for at least five islands.”

• For more information, visit carnivalinbermuda.com