HOW does dressing up in colourful costumes, drumming to the Samba beat and dancing to the sounds of whistles and applause from thousands of spectators sound?
Well, if you want to be part of the North East’s biggest carnival as part of Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) now is your chance!
Stockton Council’s Arts Development Team is holding a series of community carnival workshops throughout July and people of all ages are invited.
Families are being encouraged to head along and get creative making wonderful costumes and headdresses in preparation for the Carnival on Saturday, 31 July.
Part of this year’s Carnival will see a ‘pet parade’ and family groups can come along and make their own unique pets to strut their stuff along the route!
The Carnival is one of the highlights of SIRF which this year comes to town from Wednesday, 28 July to Sunday, 1 August.
Every year, more than a 1000 participants parade, dance and drum their way along the Carnival route creating a blaze of colour and cacophony of noise. As well as school, youth and community groups, there are drummers and dancers and you could be part of this spectacular event.
Like last year, giant structures will tower above the groups – a massive shaggy dog will mingle with the Carnival goers along with some equally huge friends!
The workshops will take place on:
- Saturday, 3 July 2 – 4pm
- Saturday, 10 July 2 – 4pm
- Saturday, 17 July 2 – 4pm
- Saturday, 24 July 2 – 4pm
All workshops take place at Spark, Bishopton Road West, Stockton. The first three weeks will be costume making, while the final session will include costume making and dance.
Places are limited and advance booking is essential. All ages are welcome but children must be accompanied by an adult. All participants must be able to attend the parade on 31 July.
Councillor Mary Womphrey, Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: “The Community Carnival is truly one of the most popular events at SIRF and it allows the people of Stockton to be at the very heart of the action.
“A lot of hard work and dedication goes into making the Carnival the huge success it is and these workshops will allow families, or interested individuals or groups, to work together creatively.”
The workshops will be led by a professional artist. If you are interested in attending, or if you would like more information, please contact Lyndsey Stephenson, Stockton Council’s Arts Development, on (01642) 527696 or email lyndsey.stephenson@stockton.gov.uk
