First-Time Revellers Get a Taste of Carnival Spirit with Hennessy

Sasha-Lee Lounds and Moya Spencer reflect on their first Yardmas experience with Hennessy support - “I always wanted to jump, but wasn't sure if it was worth it,” said UK-based Lounds, as both praise the organisation, atmosphere, and freedom.

Sasha-Lee Lounds brought vibrant energy to the road during Carnival in Jamaica

For first-time revellers Sasha-Lee Lounds and Moya Spencer, Carnival in Jamaica delivered everything they had seen from afar and more.

For Sasha-Lee, a Jamaica-born Brit working as a care leavers' personal advisor in England, the decision to attend came from a need to step away from the emotional demands of her job. Supporting young adults transitioning out of foster care, she said, can be intense, and Carnival offered a rare chance to reset. “I just wanted a moment to be free,” she shared.

Though she migrated to London at a young age, Sasha-Lee still still considers herself deeply connected to her roots, describing herself as a country girl at heart - “from Linstead to London.” She admitted that cost initially made her hesitant. “I always wanted to jump, but wasn't sure if it was worth it,” she explained. “Then I saw a friend’s experience and decided to try it for myself.”

That decision led her to Yardmas. After weighing her options, she said the choice came down to the overall experience. “If I'm going to do it, I want to do it properly,” she said.

Lounds described her first Carnival as “magical,” highlighting the organisation on the road, the consistency of service, and the sense that revellers were well taken care of throughout the day. The presence of a visible medical team and the structured setup of the band stood out most. “It just felt well thought out.”

For 24-year-old Moya Spencer, the experience was just as memorable. She was introduced to Carnival through the brand Hennessy, which gifted her a Yardmas costume and gave her the opportunity to join the road for the first time. “It felt like everything just came together at the right time,” she expressed.

Moya Spencer strikes a pose ahead of hitting the road with Yardmas

What stayed with her most, however, was the atmosphere. “You’re seeing people from all over the world fully immersed in Jamaican culture, and everyone feels welcome,” Spencer said.

Both women said they would do it again, pointing to the blend of music, movement, and community as what makes Carnival in Jamaica unique.

Their experiences reflect a growing group of first time revellers who are choosing structured band experiences that prioritise organisation, safety and overall quality, particularly as Carnival continues to attract a wider international audience.