Carnival brought colour and joy to children in Luton

Last Thursday, 22nd April, we were part of a nationwide launch of the new National Children’s Carnival Week which will take place between 12 – 18 July 2021. Teams from UKCCA worked with children in Luton to capture the spirit of Carnival.

Children from Mini Stars Nursery enjoying their home made carnival costumes in the sun in Luton

Children from the Mini Stars Nursery and year 5 classes from The Meads Primary School worked on colourful rainforest-themed costumes which they then got to wear in their own mini Carnival held on the school grounds. They also got to try out costumes featured in Notting Hill and Luton Carnivals and learn about some performance techniques to bring their costumes to life.

In the first COVID safe activities in schools of the programme, one year 5 pupil said, “This is the best thing we have done all year.”

Head Teacher Richard Jenkins commented, “Our year 5 children have had a whale of a time; it’s been amazing. The children have really worked well together in creating the artwork and costumes. This is a fantastic and very worthwhile project.”

Children posing outside their school in rainforest carnival costumes they have made themselves

Mini Stars Nursery Leader Marie Long said, “The children loved making the costumes as they knew they would get to wear them. They were all excited to bring them home.”

The programme provides FREE learning resources, Arts Award and Arts Mark support and COVID safe activities for schools and youth groups; to create their own costumes, learn carnival culture and history, and organise their own carnival celebration for National Children’s Carnival Week in July.