GBRT Carnival Drums are a Brazilian style percussion group based in Market Harborough. We’re always happy to welcome new members, so if you’d like to try something new that’s great fun, really sociable and excellent exercise for the brain and body, why not come and have a go?

All tuition is provided by a highly experienced Musical Director, and no previous musical knowledge or experience is required. All instruments are provided, and you don’t need to read music as all learning is done by call and response. The rehearsals are fast-paced and good fun, and each fortnight we leave with our bodies buzzing to a host of infectious Brazilian beats.

We rehearse on Tuesday evenings in Great Bowden - see FAQs for more details.

Join Carnival Drums

We are always very happy to welcome new members, aged 12 or over. If you’d like to have a go please do get in touch.

No drumming experience needed
Great for wellbeing and confidence
Opportunities to perform at local events
Friendly and welcoming group
Instruments provided
Free taster session

Carnival Drums performing on a carnival float

Carnival Drums peforming at Harborough Christmas Fayre

“It is great that we have this love of percussion music that brings us together no matter what our backgrounds…When I was working I found the repetition of playing the drums quite relaxing after a stressful day. I have been a member of this group since it started and it is my favourite activity.”

Carnival Drums performing with Leicester Tigers mascot

FAQs

When and where are rehearsals held?

7.45-9.30pm on the 1st, 3rd and sometimes 5th Tuesdays in term time at Great Bowden Village Hall, 40 The Green LE16 7EU. There is a short break in the middle of the rehearsal.

Is the venue accessible?

On street parking is available near to the hall. There is step free access via the side door to the hall (uses a ramp) and an accessible toilet is available.

How much does it cost?

£50 per term (£45 for under-18s) which covers venue hire, tuition and instruments.

Who can join?

Anyone aged 12 or over.

Do you offer a taster session?

Yes, we offer the first session as a free trial.

When are membership subs due?

Subs are due on 2nd January for the spring term, 1st May for the summer term and 1st September for the autumn term.

Do I need any musical experience?

No, we learn by call and response so you don’t need to be able to read music or have any previous experience.

Do I need my own instrument?

No, instruments are provided. We also provide a pair of earplugs to protect your ears.

What should I wear?

Drumming can be quite physical so wear comfortable clothes that you can move around in. We provide hoodies and t-shirts for performances.

Rehearsals

Time: 7.45-9.30pm

Day: 1st, 3rd and sometimes 5th Tuesdays in term time

Venue: Great Bowden Village Hall, 40 The Green, Great Bowden LE16 7EU

Map showing the location of Great Bowden Village Hall

Rehearsal Dates 2026/27

Autumn

25th August

8th, 29th September

6th, 20th October

3rd, 17th November

1st, 15th December

Spring

19th January

2nd, 16th February

2nd March

Summer

6th, 20th April

4th, 18th May

1st, 15th June

Join us

New members aged 12 and over are always welcome. If you would like to join please do complete the registration form and we will get in touch with more information.

Musical Director: Ceri Howells

Ceri, a drummer and percussionist based in Nottingham, has been playing percussive instruments for well over twenty years and teaching and facilitating individuals and large groups for over a decade. He made his start in music on the drum kit which is where he still spends much of his time playing and teaching. As time progressed he found himself drawn towards music from all over the globe, becoming particularly fond of Brazilian musical traditions and Malaysian Gamelan along the way.

He has taken part in the World Gamelan Festival in Malaysia with Kayu Gangsa (a UK based group that uniquely fuses traditional Malaysian Gamelan composition with contemporary musical elements and western instruments). He was also part of a UK Samba Bateria that travelled to Rio de Janeiro for a series of performances as ‘Carnival Transatlantico’, where they were honoured to play some of the city’s most famous venues with a variety of fantastic Brazilian musicians.

GBRT CARNIVAL DRUMS