Accrington Observer

Colourful display

Music and art to celebrate town heritage

- WORDS AND PICTURES BY YASMIN AL-NAJAR

ACCRINGTON town centre burst into life with a spectacula­r display of music, art and creativity celebratin­g Hyndburn’s culture and heritage.

More than 1,000 people flocked to Broadway last Saturday for the Accrington Spring Parade which was kick-started with the beat of Katumba’s drums.

Musical performanc­es from the world famous Accrington Pipe Band and Accrington-based drumming band Suco Samba also kept the procession moving in unison.

The parade weaved its way from Broadway at 2pm through the centre, before ending with the grand finale at St James’ Church gardens.

More than 100 artists and students took part in the parade while proudly holding the props they produced.

Spectators were entranced by a sea of colourful costumes and displays, reflecting the diversity and heritage of Hyndburn including Tiffany glass, acorns, kingfisher­s and turkey red dye.

A prop in the shape of Blackpool Tower also featured in the procession as a nod to the Accrington ‘nori’ bricks that were used in the foundation­s of the tower.

The free community event was the first spring parade of its kind in Accrington.

Well-renowned event specialist­s, Handmade Production­s teamed up with Hyndburn’s head of culture and heritage Lucy Dusgate to run the event which was funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and

Arts Council England.

Handmade Production­s also collaborat­ed with groups to host workshops and produce costumes and props including; AAWAZ, Peel Park Primary School, Spring into Action, Community Solutions, Accrington and Rossendale College, Lancashire Women’s Centre, Dance Syndrome, PROSPECTS Foundation and Adventure Hyndburn.

Louise Duxbury from Accrington

was selected to work with Handmade Production­s and delivered workshops to AAWAZ, Lancashire Women’s Centre and Accrington and Rossendale College in preparatio­n for the big event.

She joined the parade holding a flag made from silk embellishe­d with a design of a Madder plant, used to dye fabrics in the town’s textile industry and played a big role in putting Accrington on the map.

Louise said: “It was amazing with all of the colours and the best thing I could’ve imagined.

“There was a good turn out and the bands were fabulous.

“It was like a mini concert at the end at the church gardens which is a beautiful area of Accrington with the old buildings surroundin­g it.

“There were so many happy faces and it wasn’t just the children, but the adults too.

“The parade brought out everyone’s inner child.”

The public were given the opportunit­y to take a closer look at the costumes and headpieces and ask questions after the performanc­es.

Visitor Nicola Savage said: “We loved it and it was nice to have the performanc­es come together at the end.

“All the kids were dancing and my son who attends Peel Park Primary School got involved and made the trees for the parade during a workshop.

“We would definitely come back if there is another spring parade.”

Lucy Dusgate said: “Thank you to everyone who has joined us in Accrington town centre for what has been a tremendous community event.

“The organisati­on and effort which has gone into making the costumes and props over the last few weeks and months has been remarkable and what an incredible display we have witnessed today.

“Accrington Spring Parade really has showcased the creativity, community spirit and rich cultural heritage of Hyndburn and to see that embraced by the local community makes us all very proud.

“Well done to everyone involved!” To learn more about events taking place in Hyndburn this year, visit: www.hyndburnbc.gov. uk/events/. You can learn more about Handmade Production­s by visiting their website: handmadepr­oductions.org.uk.

 ?? ?? Artist Louise Duxbury from Accrington (far right) joined the parade holding a flag made from silk embellishe­d with a design of a Madder plant
Artist Louise Duxbury from Accrington (far right) joined the parade holding a flag made from silk embellishe­d with a design of a Madder plant
 ?? ?? Handmade Production­s’ magnificen­t hare followed shortly after drumming group, Katumba
Handmade Production­s’ magnificen­t hare followed shortly after drumming group, Katumba
 ?? ?? Blackpool Tower as a nod to Accrington ‘nori’ bricks used in the foundation­s of the tower
Blackpool Tower as a nod to Accrington ‘nori’ bricks used in the foundation­s of the tower
 ?? ?? Crowds were blown away by the giant puppets
Crowds were blown away by the giant puppets
 ?? Yasmin Al-najar ?? ●● A huge squirrel scurried through the centre
Yasmin Al-najar ●● A huge squirrel scurried through the centre
 ?? ?? Daisy was a favourite among the children
Daisy was a favourite among the children
 ?? ??
 ?? ?? Accrington-based drumming band Suco Samba rounded off the event at St James’ Church gardens
Accrington-based drumming band Suco Samba rounded off the event at St James’ Church gardens
 ?? ?? Families dressed in leaf costumes with head pieces
Families dressed in leaf costumes with head pieces
 ?? ?? Accrington Pipe Band major Danielle Haworth
Accrington Pipe Band major Danielle Haworth
 ?? ?? A giant fox at the Accrington Spring Parade
A giant fox at the Accrington Spring Parade

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