We’re incredibly excited to share the launch of Parade – our biggest and boldest project so far! Starting this autumn, Parade will bring together people of all ages and abilities to create scrap-built carnival artworks, giant puppets, and joyful performances across Cumbria.
Thanks to funding from Arts Council England and National Lottery Awards for All, this year-long project will celebrate everything we love here at Ragtag: creativity, sustainability, and community. And best of all – everyone’s invited.
We’ve dreamed for years about creating an inclusive carnival community here in Kendal – a space where people come together to make, play and celebrate side by side. Now, that dream is becoming a reality.
Starting this September, Parade will offer free creative sessions for adults, young people and families. There’ll be monthly making sessions for over-16s, a weekly youth club for 11–15 year olds, and Big Carnival Art Days designed for families to get stuck in together. All the work made will feed into performances and parades at festivals across the region – including Kendal Calling, Barrow’s Festival of Colours, Harbour Fest in Whitehaven, Kendal Pride, and Kendal Torchlight.
We’re also making sure Parade is as inclusive and accessible as possible. That means sensory-aware sessions, accessible venues, support from trained staff and volunteers, and even a minibus to help with transport. We especially welcome people who are neurodiverse or have a learning disability – everyone should feel they belong in this creative celebration.
Alongside our public sessions, we’re offering volunteer training for anyone interested in learning how to support others or develop carnival-making skills. There’ll also be masterclasses led by professional artists, perfect for creatives who want to expand their practice and get inspired.
And as always, we’re keeping things sustainable – making art from things that might otherwise end up in the bin, and showing just how beautiful ‘waste’ materials can become with a little imagination.
This is a chance to build something special together – not just amazing carnival creations, but a creative community that welcomes everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Join the Ragtag Parade and let’s make some magic.