Allyson Williams MBE has been connected to Notting Hill Carnival since it’s inception as her late husband was a founding member. The Mirror’s Shannon Miller chat with Allyson and her son Kevin about what Carnival really means
Allyson Williams MBE and her son, Kevin Williams have a generations-deep connection to London’s Notting Hill Carnival. Upon meeting them, I could immediately see their eyes light up as they walked me through memories of Carnival’s past.
Their story is one of the many tales of dancing in the streets of the West London borough as part of a tradition that transcends the Atlantic ocean.
“It started with a melting pot of Caribbean immigrants who never intended to make history, but to celebrate their shared culture in the UK,” Kevin told the Mirror. His father, Allyson’s late husband, Vernon “Fellows” Williams, became a founding member of Notting Hill Carnival in 1964, and played a pivotal role in shaping the event into what it is today. At the time, no one knew it would grow to the scale it has now.
READ MORE: ‘I tried Fox’s new pistachio flavour biscuits – there’s one thing you need to know’READ MORE: Drivers discover that arrow button on car dashboard is ‘better than air-con’
Kevin said his dad always told him there was debate over who started the first Notting Hill Carnival with some saying Claudia Jones, others Rhaune Laslett but, as Vernon put it: “It was a movement, it’s not about one individual thing.”
By 1980, that movement led to the creation of Genesis Mas, formed by Vernon and Allyson, and it’s been running ever since. For them, Carnival was never something they stumbled into – it was inherited. “We’ve been brought up and lived the culture that we inherited through emancipation,” Allyson told us.
Growing up, both Allyson and Kevin attended Trinidad’s Carnival, and they’ve carried that tradition into Genesis, creating and interpreting historical themes inspired by the Trinidadian way. These weren’t just costumes. For some, they were deeply personal.
“Our mas was about historical themes, so we went through the historical calendar – Genghis Khan, the Incas, the Red Indians, back to Africa. One year, we had South African people from the Zulu tribe commend us on how authentic it was,” Allyson said. “They felt seen and a part of the community and followed us the whole route.”
For Kevin, the connection was just as deep. “I was born in 1979, and the band started in 1980 – I was a baby, but I loved the environment of the mas camp. It was homely and welcoming. And as I became older, my father eventually made me the king of the band, meaning I get to wear the biggest costume.”
Allyson’s role in Carnival grew beyond Genesis. When she joined the board, she was asked to open the event on Sunday morning. “I said to the CEO, ‘What do you want me to say to people?’ He said, ‘Just tell them why we’re here.’ So I did my homework and gave a ten-minute, concise history lesson about slavery, emancipation, and the culture that unites communities.”
That speech left a mark. “Later, these women came running up to me. They said ‘what an amazing legacy you all have inherited,'” Allyson recalled.
For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror’s Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox.
“They’d lived in Notting Hill for 30 years and had no idea Carnival had so much history and meaning and said they’d look at it differently from now on – and tell their friends.”
It’s moments like that which drive Allyson’s mission to keep the history alive. “People don’t know the history, the legacy we inherited, or the significance of Carnival,” she said. “Once you know, it’s not just a party.”
But Carnival has changed. Many historical themes have been replaced with modern, lighter costumes, and Allyson believes it’s time to find a healthier balance. “We need to go back to having Carnival in a meaningful way,” she said.
Genesis took a break for the first time in 45 years but are coming back “bigger and better” for Notting Hill Carnival’s 60th anniversary this year. “When you miss a year, you’ve got to come back big,” Allyson told us.
”We’re talking big, monstrosity costumes, and reaching more people – visiting schools, informing them about the culture and history, and letting them know it’s an inclusive event.” Kevin added, insisting that anyone is welcome to join in. “You don’t need to know much just sign up, join in, and be part of the family.”
Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We’d love to hear from you!