HULL : Parading Around In Orchard Park, Stilts And All

Today is the last chance to attend an Extraordinary Orchard Park Parade workshop before the big event itself on Saturday (6 May).

Artists from Handmade Parade, Hull Carnival Arts and Rag and Bone have been working with residents of the Orchard Park Estate to make creatures, characters and flags that will feature in the Extraordinary Orchard Park Parade. The final workshop takes place at St Michael’s Youth Project on Orchard Park Estate between 3.30pm-5.30pm.

The project, supported by Hull UK City of Culture 2017 and St Stephens Hull, has been stirring up enthusiasm among Orchard Park residents who have been making and creating a wide variety of handmade artworks for the event.

The theme of the parade is From Air Land and Sea, Tales of the Nautical North, which was confirmed following consultation last year with local residents. Since March, the team of artists working on the parade have been delivering workshops in local schools and with community groups.

Special stilt-walking sessions for young people have also been taking place at St. Michael’s Youth Project, while local samba bands, including Bandamarama and Hull Samba, have been practicing ready for the big day.

These elements, along with handmade costumes made at the open workshops by members of the public, will create an extraordinary spectacle not to be missed.

Kerith Ogden, Handmade Parade’s lead artist, said:

“It’s been fantastic to see the range of people getting involved, and we’re excited about the new collaborations that are coming about through this project. The hard work people have put into their costumes and artwork will ensure crowds turning out to see the parade will be wowed.”

Martin Green, Director at Hull 2017, said:

“It is such a delight to see so many people embracing the cultural and artistic activities being delivered in communities across the city. It’s going to be fantastic to see the creations and stilt-walking capabilities of the Orchard Park residents, grabbing hold of the spirit of Hull 2017 with both hands.”

The Extraordinary Orchard Park Parade will take place at 2pm on Saturday 6 May on the Orchard Park Estate. Food stalls on Shaw Park will be open from 1pm, serving wood fired pizza, barbequed meats, ice cream and hot and cold drinks. The parade finale will be in Shaw Park from 3pm, featuring band performances, face painting, and food; something for all ages to enjoy.