Kings Queens and Mr Lear

As part of Knowsley’s year as Borough of Culture where ‘Every Town and Village Tells Their Story’ Knowsley Village residents were invited to participate in and attend a colourful street parade on Saturday 4th June inspired by the area’s cultural heritage.

Taking place during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend, the parade, entitled ‘Kings Queens and Mr. Lear’ was produced by Handmade Parade in collaboration with Knowsley Borough of Culture 2022 and was made possible - thanks to National Lottery players - with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Knowsley Village has a rich history of holding royal celebrations and strong links to renowned artist, author, and poet Edward Lear. While living at Knowsley Hall Lear painted an array of exotic birds and animals and is said to have written ‘The Owl and the Pussy-cat’ for the Earl of Derby’s children.

Taking inspiration from this, local children and young people transformed into Kings, Queens, owls, pussycats, and exotic birds and walked through the village alongside dancers, puppets, carnival drummers, Katumba and royal stilt walkers.