Accrington’s Spring Parade, a free new community event for 2024, is set to dazzle spectators on April 13th. The parade promises to be extra special as it celebrates Hyndburn’s rich history and local artist Louise Duxbury. Louise was chosen as one of three artist assistants to work with creative geniuses Handmade Productions in delivering workshops to local community groups taking part in the parade prep.
Louise’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and dedication. After pursuing a BA Hons in Eastern Fashion Design at UCLan, Louise established a children’s art studio and later contributed her talents as a creative therapy assistant at East Lancashire Hospice. Post-lockdown, she decided to dedicate herself full-time to her creative business, focusing on running workshops, providing arts and crafts at events, facilitating creative well-being sessions, and organising children’s parties.
Louise shared, “I have always had a passion for creativity and aspired to pursue a career in the arts.” After participating in a workshop for the Handmade Parade in Accrington in 2019, she was in awe of their costume design, mask-making, and puppetry so when the opportunity to learn from the masters one on one came around, she couldn’t wait to apply.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to have been selected as an assistant artist for this year’s parade. Working alongside the talented Handmade Productions team has been an incredible opportunity, and I’m eager to apply the valuable skills I’m acquiring to my own work and share my skills to offer unique workshops with the wider community in Hyndburn. Being part of such a positive and vibrant event in the heart of Accrington is so important to me, it’s an honour to be part of such a vibrant celebration and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have been working on.”
Supported by UKSPF funding, Louise’s participation in the Accrington Spring Parade will have a long-lasting impact across the community for years to come by offering others an opportunity to learn and develop their artistic and creative skills.
During the preparation for this parade, the creative team has worked closely with several community groups including AAWAZ, Accrington and Rossendale College, Adventure Hyndburn, Spring into Action, Community Solutions, Lancashire Women’s Centre, Peel Park Primary School and Prospects Foundation, sharing their skills to be transferred to future projects.
Lucy Dusgate, Head of Culture in Hyndburn added, “It was imperative to us when organising Accrington’s Spring Parade to work collaboratively with a diverse range of groups across Hyndburn to ensure the parade reflects the cultures within our community. By embracing diversity and nurturing local talent like Louise, we cultivate an inclusive environment where everyone’s unique voice can be celebrated and heard.”
The free Accrington Spring Parade is a celebration of creativity, community spirit, and the rich cultural heritage of Accrington. Starting on Broadway at 2 pm on 13th April, visitors are encouraged to come down and support the local groups and volunteers who have created one-of-a-kind pieces to display. The parade promises to be a feast for the senses, with colourful costumes, and mesmerising performances from Accrington Pipe Band, Dance Syndrome, Suco Samba and Katumba making unforgettable moments for all ages to enjoy. No tickets are needed to watch the parade.
Handmade Productions are hosting four free public workshops offering attendees the chance to create their own costumes and props ahead of the parade. The workshops take place at Accrington Town Hall on 6th & 11th April, spaces are limited and must be booked in advance.
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/accrington/accrington-town-hall
If you would like to volunteer in the parade, please email info@handmadeproductions.org.uk
For more information about the Accrington Spring Parade, follow Hyndburn Borough Council on socials.
Pictured, Louise at Accrington and Rossendale college workshop creating a 3D structure of Blackpool Tower made from Accrington NORI bricks. Louise and AAWAZ creating Tiffany glass-inspired batik flag designs. An example of previous community work Louise created.
