The idea
Cacophany Arkestra aim to collaborate with local groups, including StreetWise Warton, Lowther Lytham, Preston community groups, musicians/artists & stilt walkers, to design and craft vibrant Caribbean-style Carnival costumes inspired by Sensay traditions, originally brought to Preston by Dominican community members who paraded in Sensay costumes at Preston Caribbean Carnival. Together, they will create a series of songs/tunes linked to the project theme and connect older Caribbean Carnival participants in a journey of reminiscence, celebrating performers from the 1980s and continuing their tradition. The initiative will culminate in live performances at multiple planned events, Including Lancashire Encounter, Morecambe Lantern festival & Honk Bradford City of culture showcasing both the artistic creations and community spirit. The entire process will be documented on film and shared on YouTube, preserving the cultural heritage and inspiring new audiences.
What we'll deliver
- Co-create Carnival costumes with goups
- Co-create songs, poems, reminiscence, stories
- Develop a documentary Film using stories, photos, interviews, workshops, performance
- Perform at planned events
- Deliver a series of art/ music workshops
- Mentor older & younger artists musicians in Caribbean Carnival Arts and Music
Why it's a great idea
- Strengthen intergenerational connections through shared musical & artistic experiences.
- Promote cultural preservation & awareness by sharing Caribbean Carnival culture through mentorship with: younger generation artist creators, stilt walkers.
- Enhance community collaboration by working with groups for a shared creative purpose.
- Foster inclusivity, accessibility for isolated individuals & groups in Lancashie, Fylde ,Preston, areas of low cultural provision through active, cultural participation.
- Inspire creativity & innovation by co-designing vibrant costumes & co-creating song & tunes. Giving participants a voice.
- Document & share the process, broadening cultural education & engaging online, via YT, FB etc.
- Boost local pride by showcasing the community's talents at live events.
Boost, support partnerships with local creatives to strengthen Lancashire's cultural diversity, providing paid gigs.
Promotes: Health & wellbeing, life skills in participants.
Steps to get it done
- Co-creating costumes with StreetWise, Lowther groups to be worn at events
- Co-creating songs, poems in reminiscence workshops
- Creating Documentary film @ reminiscence workshops
- Rehearsing songs at music mentoring workshops
- Performing at Lowther Jazz & Blues Festival 2/08/2025
- Performing at Lancashire Encounter 20/09/2025
- Performing at Honk City of culture Bradford 27/09/2025
- Performing at Barlick Switch On 22/11/2025
- Performing at Bury Lantern Festival 29/11/2025
- Performing at Morecambe Lantern Festival 06/12/2025
- Performing at Pumpkins in the Park 25/10/2025
