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Giant ‘Spirit of Stoke’ puppet to lead People’s Parade as part of City’s centenary celebrations

A 16ft puppet will lead the way of the huge Stoke-on-Trent People’s Parade which is taking place this weekend.

Crafted by members of the B Arts organisation – Richard Redwin and Dan Jaworski-Higgs – the ‘Spirit of Stoke’ will tower above crowds and participants when the huge community parade makes its route from Hanley Park at 1pm on Saturday 7 June.

The parade – which forms part of the SOT100 – a year of activity to mark the centenary of Stoke-on-Trent being awarded official city status – will also include one hundred ducks, dancing cupcakes and twenty-strong marching band – KiLNE – who form part of 1000 participants.

Schools have also been involved in crafting colourful costumers with other creative organisations such as MADULA and one of the parade’s main organisers – Urban Wilderness.

(Images: B Arts)

Spirit-of-Stoke-peoples-parade

Each section of the parade resembles a part of Stoke-on-Trent, whether that is arts, music or community. The Spirit of Stoke – which has been made out of several materials – has been created to embody the iconic arts and architecture, whilst paying tribute to music and dance – including northern soul, punk and rave.

Spirit-of-Stoke-puppet

Spirit of Stoke. Image B Arts

Puppet Maker Richard Redwin, of B Arts and Red Thing Creations, said: “For the last four weeks we’ve been assembling a giant puppet to lead the People’s Parade.

“This is the largest puppet build we’ve ever worked on and we have really challenged ourselves to go above and beyond.

“Summing up the spirit of a whole city – and six different towns – in a single puppet might seem like an impossible task, but we’ve focused in on the art and music that makes our city iconic in the UK, finding inspiration in the music and dance subcultures that have defined us over the last century.

“We cannot wait for everyone to see her at the Parade on Saturday.”

Isla Telford, Co-director of arts organisation Urban Wilderness – one of the main organisers of the People’s Parade, said: “This event is a real opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent that we have in Stoke. This event is huge and has been a great opportunity for all the artists to bring their A game. We all think audiences are going to be awe-struck and proud of their city.”

Holly Johnson and Eve Travis, of The Block Studios, in Newcastle-under-Lyme have worked with artist Jessi Byron to create 100 vibrant cupcake costumes for students from the Angela Beardmore School of Dance to wear on the day.

Eve-Travis-Holly-Johnson-The-Block

Eve and Holly (pictured) said : “We’ve had loads of fun dressing up, playing with materials and designing the cupcake costumes. Our priority was to make them colourful, fun, movable and for them to look impressive whilst also fairly easy for us to replicate – as we’ve had the huge job of making 100 of them.

“We’re super excited for the People’s Parade and can’t wait to see them be brought to life by Angela Beardmore’s School of Dance!”

MADULA – who deliver creative and cultural workshops, performances and projects for young children, young people and community groups in North Staffordshire and The Midlands – have been working with groups for a community samba parade – involving pupils from various local schools.

A spokesperson from Madula said: “Madula is very excited to be part of the People’s Parade. We’ve worked across the City since 1998 and we love the City of Stoke-on-Trent and all the communities within it – we can’t wait to celebrate its 100th anniversary!”

A ‘Unified in Pride’ section will resemble all of the city’s six towns and pupils from the Co-Op Academy Clarice Cliff have been involved in the Longton feature, with other schools also involved in other town creations.

Sara Eyden Office Administrator and Community Pioneer at Co-op Academy Clarice Cliff said: “We’re truly looking forward to being a part of these wonderful celebrations. It’s such a joy to see our children involved in something so meaningful and exciting.

“They’re incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to participate  and create lasting memories.”

To add local artist Deb Rogers has created 100 duck costumes, The Social Agency have made various puppets and marching band – KiLNE – will be performing around four different tracks as the parade leaves Hanley Park and makes its way towards the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, through the Cultural Quarter before returning to the park – where the free to attend Party in the Park will be taking place.

The event is being delivered by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in partnership with Stoke Creates and the Arts Council England.

For updates and more information about the People’s Parade visit sot100.org.uk and follow Stoke Creates on Facebook and Instagram @stokecreates

KiLNE

KiLNE. Image by Andrew Billington

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