Derventio proud to sponsor special costume for Derby Caribbean Carnival 2025

Derventio Housing Trust is proud to sponsor a specially designed costume for this year’s Derby Caribbean Carnival – to be worn by staff member Elaine Yorke as she takes part in the event as a Carnival Queen!

Elaine, who is Derventio’s Allocations Team Leader, will co-lead the vibrant procession on 20th July wearing a striking hand-crafted costume that explores the themes of Windrush and barriers to housing.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the design, Elaine said:

The costume was inspired by the Windrush’s occupants and their struggle to access accommodation.

The Windrush generation faced — and continue to face — significant barriers to housing.

Early Windrush arrivals were met with racism, including exclusion from mainstream housing. They lived in poor-quality or overcrowded accommodation, often denied council housing and many relied on community support networks just to survive.

Estate agents and housing officers also steered Caribbean families away from certain neighbourhoods making them live in slum areas.

Derventio Housing Trust (who has sponsored this costume) has played a massive role in providing accommodation to those also struggling to access accommodation. Be it those released from prisons, struggling with their mental health or have issues with substances. Providing much needed support to be able to eventually attain their goal, just like the Windrush generation, their own home!

The costume had its first outing at the East Midlands Caribbean Carnival Costume Competition on 28 June. Organised by the Derby West Indian Community Association, the event marked the 50th anniversary of Derby Caribbean Carnival, showcasing the elaborate, creative designs that define the celebration.

Derby Caribbean Carnival 2025 will take place on Sunday 20 July, with a colourful city-centre procession ending in Osmaston Park. The day will also feature a costume exhibition, stage show, music, funfair and stalls selling Caribbean food, crafts and more.

Derventio is delighted to support Elaine on this exciting journey and proud to stand behind the important message her costume represents. We’ll be cheering her on every step of the way and wish her the very best of luck as she takes centre stage at this year’s carnival.