Celebrating Local History, Community, and Creativity at Accrington’s NEW Spring Parade on April 13, 2024.
This spring, Accrington is set to burst into life with a free parade of music and costumes made by local people. The local team behind OAK FEST and Halloween Blast are working with event specialists Handmade Productions to deliver the new for 2024, Accrington Spring Parade. Handmade Productions are known for their unique and parade-making craftsmanship, and are collaborating with local groups, including AAWAZ, Peel Park Primary School, Spring into Action, Community Solutions, Accrington & Rossendale College, Dance Syndrome, Lancashire Women’s Centre, and Adventure Hyndburn.
Accrington town centre is in for a treat on 13 April as the free parade celebrates Hyndburn’s rich culture and local creativity. Each group has been tasked with creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, costumes and headdresses that reflect the diversity and heritage of our community, so you can expect to see Tiffany glass, Acorns, Turkey Red Dye and the Spinning Jenny at the heart of the parade.
This blend of visual creativity will be accompanied by music from the renowned Accrington Pipe Band who will infuse the air with lively music that echoes Accrington’s spirit. Adding to the energy, Suco Samba, an Accrington based drumming band will keep the crowd moving with their infectious beats.
The parade begins at 2:00 PM at the top of the main shopping street, Broadway. It will weave its way through the heart of Accrington, starting on Broadway and travelling through the centre before the grand finale at St James Church around 2:45PM. Residents and visitors are encouraged to gather along the route to witness the spectacle and join in the celebration of community spirit.
Want to join in? Come along to one of our free open workshops in April at Accrington Town Hall. Book your tickets at What’s on in Accrington (ticketsource.co.uk)
The team at Handmade Productions are busy working their magic with local community groups to design and co-create parade costumes and props which will be unveiled at the spectacular Accrington Spring Parade on Saturday 13 April. For those wishing to bring along their own parade items, Handmade Productions have created DIY at home videos which are available to view here at https://www.youtube.com/@HmadeParade/videos
Fran Sierevogel, Handmade Productions Lead Project Manager said; “We’re very excited to bring our creative imaginations to Accrington, the beating heart of Hyndburn. It’s great to partner with Hyndburn Leisure and produce an inclusive community event together. This is going to be a spectacular parade celebrating the town, its heritage and its community. There are lots of opportunities to get involved, whether that’s taking part in the public workshops, joining the parade or coming to watch as an audience member.”
Councillor Marlene Howarth, Leader of the Council said “The Spring Parade created by and for local people is an opportunity to see one of a kind, stunning displays of art and performance plus a chance for residents to come together, enjoy the festivities, and celebrate the unique spirit of Accrington – all for free! Come down for 2pm on April 13th with your friends and family to enjoy an afternoon filled with music, colour, culture, and community.”
Handmade Productions are looking for volunteers to get involved and lend a hand on the day. Helpers are needed for simple physical tasks like pushing carts, carrying props and light weight structures and help puppeteering. Adults of any age – or under-18s accompanied by an adult – are all welcome to volunteer, and this includes any wheelchair users who are able to complete the procession route.
Individuals interested in volunteering to help with the Accrington Spring Parade should contact Handmade Productions direct by emailing volunteer@handmadeproductions.org.uk
Residents can keep up to date with creative progress and event details by following Hyndburn Borough Council on social media.
Hyndburn has received £500,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for projects, including Accrington Spring Parade, which deliver a new cultural and heritage programme for the borough. This package will be delivered by March 2025 and includes curated events, strategy compilation, consultancy and appointment of a Head of Culture and Heritage.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and places, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information visit http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Image: Picture from Handmade Production event in 2019, Accrington Town Centre