Carnival parade to unite Rotherham

Organised by Rotherham Culture Company, working in partnership with Open Minds Theatre Company, the carnival has been planned for the last five years with links with carnival artists and organisations all over the world now in place.

School children and groups across Rotherham are involved in art and carnival workshops ahead of the event.

Vicky Hilton, behind the idea, said she hopes the carnival unites Rotherham and gives the town a boost following the publication of Professor Alexa Jay’s report in 2014, which blew the lid on child sexual exploitation in the town.

“This work is important in Rotherham now more than ever. We want to celebrate our difference and bring people back into the town,” she said.

“The Jay report has had devastating effects, not just the town but within our grassroots communities. The carnival is something that can help towards rebuilding communities and relationships. We are very excited.

“An exhibition of international carnival costumes, puppetry, photography and artefacts Old Market Gallery in Rotherham was a roaring success and identified the need for this to happen within our town. We built interest and excitement within the public, the local authority, communities groups and businesses.”

The carnival parade on Saturday, September 24 will wind through the town and end at Clifton Park, where there will be live music and dance performances.

To get involved call 07979674014.