Horsham Children’s Parade is a multi-disciplinary ‘walking exhibition’ showcasing the creativity of Horsham District's children through a glorious spectacle of giant models, vibrant costumes and upbeat music paraded through Horsham’s town and park. It will enable children from 15+ schools (approx.1000 participants), aged 7-11, who would not otherwise get the opportunity, to work with professional artists, learn about a diverse range of art and artists and showcase their own artwork as an official part of a major cultural event – the Horsham District Year of Culture 2019. The parade theme ‘Art & Artists’ has been chosen to reflect the Horsham District Year of Culture 2019. Designed to be an inclusive event, the parade will feature a diverse range of artists and participating schools include Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee, and those in isolated rural communities. There is no better time to show our public support for the next generation of creatives in our community.

What we'll deliver:

• Creative Workshops – Horsham District's Primary and Infant schools work with professional artists to create the parade
• Playful Exhibition – Horsham District's children exhibit their creativity to the public in a 'walking exhibition'
• Magical Experience – Horsham District Community share a magical and fun experience
• Rewarding Volunteer Opportunities – great for C.V.s
• Local Employment – For local artists and organisations

Why it's a great idea:

There are already three incredible Children's Parades happening annually in Sussex – Brighton, Worthing and Uckfield. Each of these illustrates the empowering energy of creative processes for participants, collaborators and artists in these communities. The longest running and largest, Brighton, is a major event in the city's cultural calendar, and opens the Brighton Festival. Now in its 26th year, it sees around 80 schools with 5000 participants take part and attracts thousands of people to watch it. Wouldn't it be amazing if we could make this happen for Horsham too! We want Horsham Children’s Parade to become an annual event which broadens arts education across Horsham District, provides employment for local artists, and rewarding volunteer opportunities and creates joyous shared memories across generations of our community! Photos: All the photos are of Brighton Children's Parade, provided by Jeb Hardwick, Same Sky Ltd and Jim Carey Photography.

Steps to get it done:

• October-December 2018– Funding secured
• February-March 2019 – Launch event
• April-May 2019 – Creative workshops with schools
• May-June 2019 – Model and costume making in schools
• May-June 2019 – Volunteer recruitment
• May-July 2019 – Event promotion

As an official part of Horsham District Year of Culture 2019, the parade is part-funded by Horsham District Council through a project grant. Schools are also contributing £200 each towards the creative workshops with professional artists. But in order to ensure the quality and safety of the event, we need to raise extra funding for the experienced, professional management of the parade and to provide extra creative support for the schools which will lead sections of the parade.