The sun shone and the 'Don't Rain On My Parade' Pow-wow crew (truly delighted that the rain was nowhere to be seen) gathered at the Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis to meet with carnival creatives, organisers, artists and thinkers within the Jurassic Coast area. The aim was to invigorate, inspire and enliven those involved with carnivals and outdoor celebratory work, large or small scale as well as showcase the level of support on offer from the Jurassic Coast network which includes Activate.

Over 40 delighted participants met and listened to carnival organisers, makers and shapers from some of the UK's highest profile outdoor events discuss their experiences in making extraordinary things happen and the enormous positive impact that successful events have on affected communities.

Adrian Evans, Director of the Thames Festival (UK's largest festival) gave an insight into how working with the infrastructure organisations along a proposed carnival route is challenging but essential and how maintaining a 'can-do-will-do' attitude is so important. Lots of 'Ooohs' and 'Ahhhs' from the room as he showed a stunning array of previous Thames Festival photos.

Ali Pretty, Director of Kinetika, a fabulously creative design organisation with over 20 years of carnival experience all across the world, gave an inspirational insight into what she feels is the heart of carnival - the coming together of the local community who are in some way invested in the event and seeing them experience the memorable moments; when a synergy occurs between the participants, the spectators and the images that are part of the carnival. 'Once seen, forever remembered' reflects how spectators feel about successful events. She showed processional images of a Bengal Tiger, taken during an outdoor celebration in London's East End to illustrate how a carnival can be so emotive and powerful, actually bonding communities.

Her practical workshop saw the group create and paint their own jewel-coloured, silk bunting which decorated the outside of the Marine Theatre and fluttered delightfully in the warm breeze. 

Sarah Butterworth and Peter Courtney took Poppy the Pliosaur out for an afternoon stroll and pow-wow delegates could see the spectacle they created with the gathered crowds. Another sustainable idea that had no need for a motor vehicle to give it impact as it paraded.

There were more sustainable, practical ideas in other workshops and talks throughout the afternoon and so many wanted to experiment later with people powered (yes, that's right!) LED lighting.

Lots of artists met with makers, organisers met with agencies, those studying met with those who have successful careers and lots of contact details were exchanged. The brave even went for a dip in the sea once it was all over.

A super, sunshiney, colourful, carnival of a day!



Contact Activate if you want more information.