New carnival project set to begin in Kendal this autumn

Parade is Ragtag Arts’ biggest project to date, and will involve people of all ages and abilities, giving them the chance to learn new skills.

Made possible through funding from Arts Council England and National Lottery Awards for All, the project will celebrate “creativity, sustainability and community” in Kendal and across Cumbria.

Josh Simpson, artistic director at Ragtag Arts, said: “For a long time we’ve wanted to build an inclusive carnival community here in Kendal, getting people together to create, make, and celebrate together – and now we are.

“The scale of this project allows us to take things to the next level with our scrap-built creations and share those skills with a whole new group of people, building confidence and expertise together.

“So what are you waiting for?

“Sign up and join the Ragtag Parade starting this September.”

The project is set to begin this autumn and is open to people of all ages and abilities, offering a chance to learn new skills and take part in building a carnival community.

Parade will include free monthly making sessions for adults aged 16 and over, a weekly youth club for 11 to 15-year-olds, and Big Carnival Art Days for families.

Participants will help create parade pieces for seven festivals throughout the year, including Barrow’s Festival of Colours, Kendal Pride, Kendal Calling, Harbour Fest in Whitehaven, and Kendal Torchlight.

The project will conclude with a grand exhibition showcasing the carnival artworks created by the community.

Emily Dewhurst, executive director at Ragtag Arts, said: “Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do, and this project will allow us to offer even more impactful opportunities, working with people over a longer time.

“It’s incredibly exciting to have been funded by Arts Council England and National Lottery Awards for All to make this game-changing project a reality – it’s going to be fantastic for Kendal and the whole community.

“And, of course, we’ll be carrying through our sustainable ethos throughout, making things out of stuff you might throw out.”

There will also be opportunities for people to train as volunteers, develop creative or access support skills, and take part in artist-led masterclasses.

To find out more or to get involved in the Ragtag Arts Parade, visit www.ragtagarts.co.uk.