On Saturday 4th June Knowsley Village will come alive with a vibrant parade telling the story of the village as part of Knowsley’s Borough of Culture celebrations, and you are invited to be part of it!
‘Kings Queens and Mr Lear’ is a parade inspired by the village’s rich history of hosting royal celebrations as well as its historic connection to artist, author, and poet Edward Lear, who while living at Knowsley Hall painted an array of exotic birds and animals and is said to have written the much-loved children’s poem ‘The Owl and the Pussy-cat’ for the Earl of Derby’s children.
Taking inspiration from this, local children and young people will transform into Kings, Queens, owls, pussycats, and exotic birds. There will be an array of breath-taking performers, dancers and incredible larger-than-life puppets all moving through the village in a celebration of colour and sound.
On the week of 30th May there are a series of free family-friendly workshops happening in Knowsley Village. The parade and workshops have been made possible thanks to National Lottery Players through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
How to get involved:
On Monday 30th May, Tuesday 31st May and Thursday 2nd June, award-winning world dance company Movema will be teaching and rehearsing mass participation dance piece which will be at the heart of the parade. The sessions are free to attend and open to all ages but must be booked in advance. BOOK HERE
On Wednesday 1st June community artist Nayna Lad will host a workshop making parrot headdresses and handheld parade art. Participants will be able to sign up to join the community section of the parade and show off their DIY art and costumes. There are five 45-minute workshop sessions throughout the day which are free to attend but must be booked in advance. BOOK HERE
Both of these workshops are taking place at the Bob Whiley Community Centre, Shop Road, Knowsley Village L34 0HD
Additionally, on Monday 30th May Handmade Parade in partnership with For Housing, will deliver an additional community workshop in which Families will have the chance to make bird headdresses and wings inspired by the illustrations of Edward Lear. The sessions run from 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm at Knowsley Community Pavilion, 70 Pool Hey, Stockbridge Village L28 4ER BOOK HERE
If you have any questions about the workshops contact erin.cluskey@knowsley.gov.uk
If you’re not able to attend the workshops but still want to get into the spirit of the parade. You can download templates to make your own parade masks at home here:
View our Flickr Gallery of Schools and Community Workshops:
