Bringing carnival atmosphere back

The 9th annual Hebden Bridge Handmade Parade will be on Sunday, June 26, on the opening weekend of the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival.

The spectacular Parade will be at noon with a mini-festival in Calder Holmes Park from 1-4pm.

Open costume workshops will run from June 4-23.

The schedule for workshops in samba drumming, stilt walking and women’s dance will be announced soon.

The event brings thousands of visitors into town to see the giant puppets made by local professional artists and the colourful costumes made by increasingly creative and enthusiastic participants. Handmade Parade artistic director Andrew Kim says: “Since the Boxing Day flood, it’s been a tough time for this valley.

“But the silver lining is we have seen the strength, generosity and creativity of our community rise to the surface. Our parade is a way to show the joy - to take to the streets and celebrate our unique and vibrant community.”

The organisers wish to invite anyone who would like to contribute ideas to this year’s parade design to a “Spark Day” on Saturday, February 27 from 1 to 2.30pm at the parade workshop: Unit 5 Victoria Works, Hebden Bridge.

“We are so happy to get people involved in ideas for this year’s parade and to be able to look forward to being part of a great summer of events in the valley,” adds Executive Director Kathleen McGrath.

This year’s Handmade Parade is supported by Arts Council England, Hebden Royd Town Council and Yorkshire Festival and is working in partnership with the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival and Calderdale Council.