By Rose P. Graham

Every August, Notting Hill bursts into a kaleidoscope of music, colour, and energy but some moments demand more than just attention; they command awe. Enter Norly: 20 years old, radiant, fearless, and dripping in Carnival glamour. From her dazzling costumes to her contagious joy, she embodies everything the festival stands for. Roseonallsides.com caught up with this queen of queens to discover her story, her style, and her unstoppable Carnival spirit.


I first spotted Norly as her mas band approached, cutting through the crowd like a vision. The speakers had paused, leaving a brief calm, then there she was, gliding down the street with the elegance of a gazelle. Her eyes sparkled like twin stars, and her presence was electric. Every glance, every camera, every whispered comment followed her as if the world itself had paused to admire her.


Approaching her, I could barely contain my excitement. She greeted me with a playful smile, struck a few poses for my camera, and before I knew it, we were snapping some of the wildest, most fun selfies I’ve ever taken, her energy was infectious, her laughter pure joy.

Later, I had the pleasure of sitting down with her for a proper chat.

Norly in her own words:


“Hi Rose! It's good to see you again. I’m 20 years old and work at a bar. I spend most of my free time at the gym and with my boyfriend, but the Carnival… oh, the Carnival is a whole other level. Honestly, it’s more exciting than my birthday. The music, the vibes, the sound system...it’s magical!”

“This year was my first time fully participating in the mas,” she beams. “Being behind the rope, parading down the street, getting compliments, posing for photos, it’s exhilarating. Sadly, I won’t be at the Carnival next year because of other plans, but I’m determined to attend every major Carnival in Trinidad and across the Caribbean. And eventually? Rio de Janeiro,watch out, here I come!”

Her costumes? Nothing short of spectacular. “My outfit cost £465, plus £100 for the cup. It’s a big investment, but it’s worth every penny. I don’t live extravagantly; I work as a bartender, go to the gym, and spend time with my boyfriend, but Carnival is my passion.” She told me again.

And speaking of love, Norly is candid: “My boyfriend is from Trinidad. Why not Nigerians? Some of my exes are Nigerians, but honestly, I feel it’s a culture clash.”

Even the minor Carnival mishaps don’t dampen her spirit. “I heard some people had their drinks spiked, but thankfully no one was sexually harassed. You just have to be careful. That won’t stop me from celebrating my culture and loving every moment of the Carnival.”

As we wrapped up, her radiant smile lingered in my mind, the perfect embodiment of Notting Hill Carnival itself: bold, glamorous, unstoppable. Norly isn’t just a Carnival Queen; she’s a celebration of life, joy, and fearless self-expression. And with a crown on her head or not, she owns the streets like no one else.