Visitors to Accrington town centre were treated to a spectacular display of music, art and creativity on Saturday 13th April, as the Accrington Spring Parade took centre stage.
A free new community event for 2024, spectators got the chance to witness incredible costumes and displays, reflecting the diversity and heritage of the Hyndburn community including Tiffany Glass, Acorns, Turkey Red Dye and the Spinning Jenny, plus much more.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Arts Council England, event specialists Handmade Productions teamed up with Hyndburn’s Head of Culture and Heritage to run the highly successful event.
Renowned for their unique and parade-making craftsmanship, Handmade Productions also collaborated with local groups to host workshops and produce amazing costumes and props, including AAWAZ, Peel Park Primary School, Spring into Action, Community Solutions, Accrington & Rossendale College, Lancashire Women’s Centre, Dance Syndrome, PROSPECTS Foundation and Adventure Hyndburn.
The parade began at the top of Broadway at 2 pm, before embarking on an entertaining journey through the town centre and ending with the grand finale in the grounds of St James’ Church.
A real carnival atmosphere throughout, those attending also got to enjoy remarkable musical performances from the world-famous Accrington Pipe Band, Accrington-based drumming band Suco Samba, as well as Katumba, a community-based project in Merseyside fostering mental and physical wellbeing through high-quality music, movement and cultural activities.
Following the parade, the public got the chance to take a closer look and ask questions about the fascinating costumes and props.
Lucy Dusgate, Head of Culture in Hyndburn, 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, please visit: https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/events/
You can learn more about Handmade Productions by visiting their website: https://handmadeproductions.org.uk/
