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‘Carnival by the Sea’ is a mass community project launched by Arts by the Sea for the festival’s closing event in collaboration with Carnival specialists, Global Grooves. Over 250 roles are to be filled including giant puppet operators, funky drummers and musicians, colourful flag bearers, high energy dancers and many other positions for all ages and abilities.

Arts by the Sea, Bournemouth’s intriguing and celebratory arts and culture festival has announced details of its spectacular Carnival parade along with a mass invitation for the whole community across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to get involved. ‘Carnival by the Sea’ will be the biggest parade ever staged by Arts by the Sea and is set to be a momentous occasion for the whole of the BCP community to be part of a one-off spectacle event.

Taking place on Sunday 2nd October 2022 and snaking from Horseshoe Common to the centre of Bournemouth, the Arts by the Sea closing parade is always a highlight of the festival weekend.

This year, the parade comes courtesy of Carnival specialists, Global Grooves and it will feature beautiful giant puppets, incredible Carnival costume, funky drumbeats, colourful flags and high energy dance choreography.

The procession’s creator, carnival arts organisation Global Grooves, has recently returned from London, where it wowed crowds at the official Platinum Jubilee Pageant. Earlier this summer, Global Grooves created carnival magic at Bluedot, Kendal Calling and Deer Shed festivals.

Over 250 community performers from across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will have the chance to work alongside internationally acclaimed Carnival artists to develop a breath-taking processional piece.  Through a series of workshops and masterclasses, there are many opportunities for both individuals and groups to get involved.

Freya Bennett-Nielsen, producer, Global Grooves, said: “Carnival by the Sea is your invitation to come out and play. And a chance to celebrate the talents and diversity of the communities of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.”

“The parade will be highly animated and brightly coloured, exploring our local and globally connected cultural heritage through a showcase of music, movement, and textile influences. Add in the energy of local performers and audiences, and I think we can expect a real spectacle!”

 “We are of course delighted to be able to share Global Grooves’ creative, celebratory and inclusive vision with audiences of Arts by the Sea.”

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Arts by the Sea is looking to recruit drummers (or those who’d like to try!) and musicians to make up the percussion and melody sections of this brand-new Carnival piece. Whether a brass or reed player or a player of any other melody instrument, everyone is welcome to help create the simple, fun and effective sounds that become the beating heart of the parade.

Dance is also a huge element of the Carnival. Arts by the Sea is calling out to dancers – groups and individuals – to come and learn new choreography, animate specially made Carnival costumes and share their energy and skills with amazed audiences as they line up for the procession.

There are so many opportunities to be part of this celebratory event, whether working behind the scenes in a backstage role, operating one of the magnificent puppets, waving one of 80 large silk flags, or simply coming out to exchange smiles in support of the community along the parade route. Whether a family, a class of school friends or a local community group, everyone is welcome to take part.

To find out how to get involved, what ages participants must be and when rehearsals will take place, please visit https://artsbythesea.co.uk/listing/carnival-by-the-sea