Participants needed for St Patrick's Day Parade

THE North West Carnival Initiative are calling on all community groups, schools, youth groups, students, individuals and artists to take part in this year's St Patrick's Day Carnival Parade, which has the theme 'Springtime in Wonderland'.

Organisers want to hear from groups who have ideas of how they would interpret the theme and make their group unique within the parade, especially imaginative ideas that showcase either Springtime and Wonderland or both. It may be a representation of Alice's magical Wonderland or it may a group's very own unique wonderland with a springtime twist!

A range of carnival workshops will be available for everyone interested in taking part in this wonderful spectacle of colour, illusion and drama which is now recognised as one of the most entertaining and creative parades in the North of Ireland on St Patrick's Day.

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Workshops could include mask making, dance, percussion, costume design and making, fabric painting and carnival prop building. These will take place in various community centres and local venues across the city and offer opportunities to learn new skills and prepare you for the wonderful finale parade.

The Carnival Initiative enjoyed great success at last year's St Patrick's Day Carnival and at the Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival, with both events attracting large numbers of community groups and individuals to the streets.

North West Carnival Initiative's, Carnival Development Officer Helen Harley, is keen to get as many people to join in the fun as possible.

"The St Patrick's Day Carnival Parade 2010 is a wonderful opportunity for individuals, groups and clubs to get involved in a fantastic event. We want to hear from people who can dance, sing or perhaps sew costumes.

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We are looking for everyone with an interest in carnival to come on board, no experience is required as there will be a variety of workshops for all the groups participating," she said.

Christabel Williamson, Arts Council Community Arts Officer, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the St. Patrick's Day celebrations by becoming part of the artistic collective that will help develop this year's parade. As principal funder, the Arts Council is exceptionally proud to be associated with this landmark community event."

The North West Carnival Initiative are also calling on established arts and community organisations who have existing collaborative links that readily facilitate the creation of pageants. Freelance artists who possess carnival art and/or community engagement expertise are also sought, to contribute innovative ideas.

The deadline for pageant applications is Thursday, January 21at 12pm. For further information regarding the pageant application process please contact the Carnival Officer on 7136 5151 or email [email protected]

This project is core funded by National Lottery funds through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Derry City Council.

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