Port of Spain, Trinidad: Classix Productions is the St. James Children’s Carnival Band of the Year 2026 winner and the Yvonne Mungal Challenge with their presentation “In a Time of War”. The Belmont-based Medium band also copped first place in its category, Best Historical and King of the Bands. Other multiple winners include Zebapique Productions’ “Down Memory Lane -20 Years of Mas (1st Large) and Best Creative Topical, DMC Kids Mas Band (2nd Large) and Best Local Theme and Jam Jay Kids Production “Umoja- Beauty of the African Tribes” (1st Small) and Best African Band. Junior King of the Bands title went to Khayari Jaalam Williams for his portrayal “Spartacus the Mighty Gladiator” while his female counterpart, Amarie Jardine Sirjoom, was adjudged Junior Queen portraying “Luminous Mosiac”‘ Others in winners’ row include Male and Female Individuals of Year Kristan Cumberbatch (“Solar Explosion”), Kayleigh Peterson (“Rhythm Across Water”) and Mini Band winner Lil Masqueraders “Gods of Polynesia”.
Special Prizes were awarded to Jus We and Friends (Best Creative), Spoilt Rotten Kids (Best Fantasy), St. Margaret’s Boys; Anglican School (Best Fancy Sailor), Little Explorers Day Care & Pre School (Best Nursery School), Trini Minis (First Band to Cross the Stage), Jhays Production (Best Attempt from St, James) and Babes & Suckling (Best Effort). Other categories included Males and Females from two (2) to seventeen (17) years of age. The announcement of the results culminated what has been described as the most successful and enjoyable in the annals of the St. James Children’s Carnival Parade. A record 42 Bands and 200 Individuals registered creating a record in the 36th edition of the St. James Children’s Carnival Parade held on Sunday February 09, in a breath-taking display of costume, spectacle and revelry. Until two (2) weeks before the actual event, the staging was in doubt, however, a last-minute injection of funds from the National Carnival Commission Regional Carnival Committee along with several corporate entities ensured its continuation.
Special thanks go out to sponsors: Smalta, GGS Flavorite, Trinidad & Tobago Carnival Bands Association (ttcba), TSZ Security Ltd, Trinidad & Tobago Electricity Commission, Toppers, Rent-A- Amp/Stand By Power, Blue Waters, Carnivalscene.com and American Stores. The committee also wishes to thank REACT Team 4928, DJs, Volunteers, Judges, the Port of Spain North Lions, Port of Spain City Corporation, the Media, Parents and Guardians for their support. Special mention goes out to Inspector Basant, Sgt Beggs and officers of the Western Division St James Police Station for their invaluable input at the pre-event meetings and assistance in managing an “on time event’. The St. James Children’s Carnival Parade is a tribute to its founder Ms. Yvonne Mungal (dec,). This year’s theme “Colour Wee Carnival” is a collaboration between the St James Community Committee and the St. James Children’s Carnival Committee.