November 2011
Showcasing communities of the East, Bound together through Carnival -
Our celebration for Festival 2012
Bringing together five communities in the East of England, Carnival Crossroads “East Bound” is UKCCA's regional carnival project, that is creating a carnival extravaganza for London 2012 Festival. The project is funded by Arts Council England and Legacy Trust UK, an independent charity set up to build a lasting cultural and sporting legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Following the success of last year’s project, Carnival Crossroads, which formed a spectacular contribution to Luton’s Carnival Parade, has a new and exciting artistic theme “East Bound” that will capture and create a showcase of local history, celebrating local pride and telling this story through the creative world of carnival arts.
Local participants will be working together in workshops and Mas Camps with local and national carnival artists to design, create and perform carnival arts, floats, music, dance and costume.
The project is being directed by Pax Nindi, a renowned carnival expert and will be bringing on board 5 national lead designers to work with local carnival artists and communities to create a local carnival arts story to form part of the East’s contribution to the Cultural Olympiad and the London 2012 Festival through carnival.
Helen Lax, Regional Director Arts Council England, said: ‘This is a great opportunity for people to come together to create carnival art in the region. The London 2012 Festival will be the largest celebration of art and culture this country has ever seen, and a once in a lifetime experience, so ‘East Bound’ is certain to be a spectacular project, that will inspire communities and groups to work together.’
The finale will bring together 100 participants from each local area involved to create a 500-strong carnival procession, with Brazilian-style float. This carnival finale will tell the local historical tales of Luton, Ipswich, Norwich, Cambridge and Southend-on-Sea all together in an East of England ‘story’ as part of the Luton Carnival Parade at the Love Luton 2012 Festival, the final destination of the Olympic Flame before it leaves the Eastern Region. There will be elements of music, dance, and performance for everyone to get involved.
We are seeking collaboration and participation from local community groups, schools, FE and HE colleges and volunteers; and to galvanize interest and participation in this exciting project.
For more information, please visit the Carnival Crossroads pages - and please 'like' our Facebook page