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‘A Deluge of Delights’The idea to have a new community-generated parade in Hebden Bridge was originally suggested by Andrew Kim, of Thingumajig Theatre. A partnership between HEADS and Thingumajig Theatre quickly formed, HEADS sharing the dream of a community parade that represented the talent and enthusiasm for the arts, present in our small Pennine town. |
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Thingumajig’s creative talents and international experience in performing, delivering and directing outdoor theatre and community parades, coupled with HEADS fundraising experience and organisational expertise in community arts projects and local knowledge of schools, community groups and artists, formed a solid and successful partnership that we hope to repeat in subsequent years. |
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With Andrew Kim as Creative Director, the two organisations assembled and managed a talented team of artists to deliver parade-making workshops to the residents of Hebden Bridge and beyond. |
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A public meeting was held to generate ideas and themes that were both exciting and had local relevance. From these initial ideas the lead artists selected the theme of ‘water’ and ‘A Deluge of Delights’ began to take shape. |
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511 people, aged from 2 – 96 years, helped create parade art. HEADS biggest project to date! |
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Public Workshops Lead artists Andrew Kim, Alison Duddle (Associate Director of Horse and Bamboo Theatre), Kerith Ogden and Jonny Quick, designed the different parade sections and supported the off-site artists and volunteers, providing new skills and valuable mentoring. |
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The lead artists also burnt the midnight oil to create their own magnificent giant puppets and pirate boats. Setbray Properties very kindly donated free workshop space in an old mill and in the 2 weeks preceding the parade, 266 children and adults came to open public workshops to make costumes, masks and props and to help make some of the giant puppets. ‘Thanks for the friendly welcome and all the help. I can’t believe how much we managed to make in such a short space of time. Fab.....hope this becomes an annual event?.....!’ Ros
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‘I was so impressed with the organisation and heap of creativity that surrounded this project. I’ve never done anything like this before and I’m so glad I got involved. It was amazing! Give me a call if you ever need any help again-I loved it!’ Clare – Arts Graduate volunteer Great ideas and so well organised. Really helpful volunteers. Made it so easy bringing my 3 children along.’ Peter – parent and participant |
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Community workshops HEADS also worked with Weston Hammond, Alison McCabe, Kerith Ogden, Fran Sierrevogel, Catherine Sweeney and Jude Wadley to deliver off-site workshops to 245 participants from Riverside Juniors, Stubbings Infants, Central Street Nursery, Hebden Vale Day Centre, Dodnaze Community Centre and Woodbank Special School. |
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The Handmade Parade 2 musical geese, 3 water bearers, batik fish, midges, frogs, a giant heron, geese, kingfishers, a giant duck, a giant swimmer, pirates and galleons, elegant umbrella carriers, a rain queen and rainbow flag carriers danced their way through the streets, accompanied by music from The Peace Artistes, Beatlife and Mbackeh Darboe.
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The parade ended at Calder Holmes Park at the ‘World on Your Doorstep’ festival, with a song, written by Kathy Bradley and pupils from Riverside Juniors and sung by Calder Valley Voices. |
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‘WOW what an amazing spectacle for us all today! We were so blown away by the fantastic puppets and fabulous energy of the parade. My 2 friends and I felt quite tearful that our little town has so much talent on offer. We felt so lucky to be living here today, so many thanks for reminding us of this….. It was truly magnificent.’ Pauline, spectator Find out more at www.hebdenbridgeparade.org |
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