Carnival Connect

Godiva Carnival

info@carnivalconnect.co.uk — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 17:39:00 GMT

In Parnership with CVOne presents

‘COVENTRY GREATS!’

Coventry Godiva Carnival 2009

Saturday 4^th July 1pm

Designed by Vortex Creates

This year the award winning Godiva Carnival celebrates its’ 10^th year since it’s re establishing in 2000. The theme for this year is ‘Coventry Greats’. From industry to art, from engineering to innovation each section of the carnival will pay homage to some of the great things to come out of Coventry both past and present. Ribbons, clocks, bicycles, cars, musicians, sporting heroes, scientific developments, artists & inventions – will all find themselves represented in carnival this year.

Feeding the heart, the soul and the senses, carnival will fill the streets with music, dance and colour as it winds itself from the city centre to the Godiva Festival Arena in Memorial Park. One section will be dedicated to the Olympic and Paralympic Games as this year also marks the beginning of the city’s journey to London 2012. Each following section will then take one of the colours of the Olympic flag to mark this journey.

Working alongside schools, community groups, businesses and a number of partners including Coventry & Warwickshire 2012 Partnership and the Primary Care Trust Imagineer Productions will create the spectacular floats, large scale structures and masquerade costumes that have become our city’s trade mark over the past 10 years.

Imagineer Productions are inviting groups or individuals who would like to get involved, through participating in the carnival itself or volunteering as float pushers to contact us now and request a registration form. We would also like to hear from bands who could play in carnival.

Telephone 024 76158323 or e-mail : info@imagineerproductions.co.uk

Trinidad 2009 Carnival Results......

info@carnivalconnect.co.uk — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 21:16:00 GMT

009 Carnival Bands Results
Children’s Bands:
Mini Jr. Band of the Year- Sunny – Rosemary Perkins
Small Jr. Band of the Year – The Rainbow Cycle – Spence Productions
Medium Jr. Band of the year – Heighten – Classic Productions
Large Jr. Band of the Year – National Pride – Rosalind Gabriel and associates

Adult Bands:
Monday Queen of the band – First Lady of the Chinese Court – Pamela Gordon
Monday King of the band – Apollo’s Lust – Curtis Eustace

Queen’s Park Savannah and Downtown:
Monday Mini Band of the day – Red Indian Days – Henry Ramdin and associates
Monday Large Band of the day – Africa, Her people, Her Glory, Her tears – Brain MacFarlane
Q.P.S. Monday Small Band of the Day: tribute to a Fallen Warrior
Q.P.S. Monday Medium Band of the Day: Trinidad All Stars
Q.P.S. Monday Large Band of the Day: Razzle Dazzle - Starlift

Tuesday Band of the Year:
Mini Band of the Year- Red Indian days – Henry Ramdin and Associates
Small band of the Year – Empires of the Sun – D’Midas
Medium band of the Year – Bacchanal – Ronnie and Caro Mas Band
Large band of the Year – George bailey Award – Africa, her people, her glory, her tears – Brian MacFarlane and Associates – 1378 points

2009 Road March Results:
1. Faye-Ann Lyons (Meet Super Blue)
2. Destra Garcia (Bachannal)
3. Machel Montano (Wild Antz)

2009 Dimanche Gras Results:

Queen of Carnival 2009
Rank . Name . Portrayal - Band - Score
1 Kadasfi Romney - Manzandaba in Flight (Brian Mac Farlane) - 424
2 Tamara Alleyne Gittens - Fairy Dust (Kaotic) - 417
3 Pamela Gordon - First Lady of the Chinese Court - 397
4 Lisa Peters - Lady Shanghai (The Dream Team) - 396
5 Joan Mohammed - Madam Hypnotist (Fireworks Promotions) - 394 (TIE)
5 Gloria Dallsingh - Vision of D’Sea (Ivan Kalicharan) - 394 (TIE)
7 Leslie-Ann Boisselle - A Musical Ensemble – Pan & Brass - 380
8 Lenore Caterson - The Sacred Bird in the Kingdom of the Dragon - 374
9 Rennee Joseph - Mama Bois - 361

King of Carnival 2009
Rank . Name . Portrayal - Band - Score
1 Stephen Alexi - Ndlovu in Search (Brian Mac Farlane) - 436
2 Curtis Eustace - Apollo’s Lust (Evolution Carnival) - 428
3 Glen Turnbull - Flight of D’ Golden Sun Lord - 423
4 Wade Madray - The Way of Zen (Mark Antoine and Legacy) - 413
5 Roland St. George - Yucahu, Atiba’s Son (D’Krew) - 411
6 Aaron Kalicharan - Spirit of the Ocean - 407
7 Fareid Carvalho - Vegas Jumbie - 403
8 Lionel Jagessar Jr. - Torngasak, The Ultimate Drummer of the Woodlands - 397
9 Leroy Prieto - Onaga - 388
10 Theophilus Simmons - Legend of the Chinese Dragon (Mark Antoine and Legacy) - 386

Calypso Monarch 2009
Rank . Name . Sobriquet . Song . Score
1 Dr. Hollis Liverpool - (Chalkdust) Ah Not In Dat - 434
2. Joanne Rowley (Tigress) - Yuh Ent See Wajang Yet - 426
3 Winston Scarborough (The Original De Fosto) - Could We Rise Again - 425
4 Brian London - A Nation’s Son - 424
5 Kizzie Ruiz - Class Language - 414
6 Sandra Des Vignes-Millington (Singing Sandra) - Ghetto of Your Mind - 412
7 Michael Osouna (Sugar Aloes) - Obama The First - 409 (TIE)
7 Ann Marie Parks Kojo Twiggy) - One for Obama - 409 (TIE)
7 Winston Peters (Gypsy) - Supply and Demand - 409 (TIE)
10 Karen Asche - Babylon - 401
11 Dexter Parsons (Stinger) - Our Environmental Engineers - 400
12 Carlos James (Skatie) - On Solid Ground - 397
13 Anthony Hendrickson (All Rounder) - Help Your Children First - 396
14 Weston Rawlins (Cro Cro) - Ah Feeling Shame - 396
15 Mark John (Contender) - Yuh Cyar Buy One - 392
16 Errol Ballantyne (Bally) - Amigo - 386

2009 International Soca Monarch Results:

2009 Play Whe Groovy Soca Monarch Result
1. Faye-Ann Lyons – Heavy T Bumper
2. Shurwayne Winchester – Make It Yours
3. Benjai – Drunk Again
4. Zoelah – Wine Up On Me

2009 bMobile International Soca Monarch Results
1. Faye-Ann Lyons – Meet Superblue
2. Bunji Garlin – Clear De Road (tie)
2. Iwer George – Ready (tie)
4. Blaxx – Tusty

2009 bMobile Soca Monarch Peoples Choice
1. Faye-Ann Lyons – Meet Superblue

2009 TUCO Extempto & Calypso Categories Results:

2009 Extempo
1. Joseph Vautor-La Placeliere (Lingo)
2. Winston Peters (Gypsy)

Social Commentary
1. Brian London – Nation’s Song
2. Dexter Parsons (Stinger) – Our Environmental Engineers
3. Ann Marie Parks –Kojo (Twiggy)
4. Anthony Hendrickson ( All Rounder) – Help Your Children First
5. Eunice Peters – Why Lord?

Humorous Commentary
1. Victor McDonald ( Mr. Mack) – “Cry Babies”
2. LLewelyn MacIntosh (Short Pants) – Discrimination
3. Alpha John (Brother Alpha) – Understanding the Prlem)
4. Sheldon Bullen (Sheldon Nugget) – Victims of Horn
5. Cuthbert George (Wizard of ID) – The Singing Mad Man

Political Commentary
1. Joanne Rowley (Tigress) – Yuh Ent See Wajang Yet
2. Kurt Allen – Speedy Recovery
3. Anthony Hendrickson (All Rounder) – WhatYuh Fire Meh For?

Soca Chutney
1. Asha Kamachee (Sweet Heart) – Yuh See
2. Heeralal Rampertap – Ah Tired
3. Lynette Steele (Lady Gypsy) – No Lookanee
4. Daneison Moses (Dee Diamond) – 75%Proof
5. Abigail Estrada – Meh Nannie

2009 Calypso Monarch Finalists:
All Rounder
Bally
Brian London
Chalkdust
Cro Cro
De Fosto
Gypsy
Karene Ashe
Kizzie Ruiz
Singing Sandra
Skatie
Stinger
Sugar Aloes
Tigress

National Panorama 2009 Semi Finals Results

LARGE BAND RESULTS
RANK BAND SCORE
1 Phase II Pan Groove 452
2 Exodus 450
3 Desperadoes 445.5
4 Silver Stars 443.5
5 Trinidad All Stars 442
6 Renegades 441.5
7 Redemption Sound Setters 440
8 Siparia Deltones 434
9 Fonclaire 430 (TIE)
9 Tropical Angel Harps 430 (TIE)
11 Skiffle Bunch 423
12 Our Boys 420.5
13 Invaders 414.5
14 Pamberi 411.5 (TIE)
14 Starlift 411.5 (TIE)
16 Birdsong 407

MEDIUM BAND RESULTS
RANK BAND SCORE
1 Sforzata 460
2 Buccooneers 457.5
3 Sound Specialists of Laventille 447
4 Dixieland 445
5 Valley Harps 441.5
6 Katzenjammers 439 (TIE)
6 Arima Angel Harps 439 (TIE)
8 Couva Joylanders 438.5
9 Pan Knights 432
10 Sangre Grande Cordettes 428 (TIE)
10 Harmonites 428 (TIE)
12 West Side Symphony 423
13 Potential Symphony 420.5
14 Humming Birds Pan Groove 418
15 Steel Xplosion 415

SMALL BAND RESULTS
RANK BAND SCORE
1 Arima Golden Symphony 432
2 Tornadoes Steel Orchestra 419
3 Laventille Serenaders 418
4 San City Steel Symphony 417
5 Panasonic Connection 413
6 Casablanca 399
7 Tunapuna All Stars 397
8 Fascinators Pan Symphony 397

Soca Monarch 2009 Semi Finals Results

bMobile Power Soca Monarch Finalists:
(not in order of appearance)
Berbice - Grenada
Blaxx - Trinidad & Tobago
Bunji Garlin - Trinidad & Tobago (Defending Champion)
Claudette Peters - Antigua & Barbuda (Seeded)
Faye-Ann Lyons - Trinidad & Tobago
Iwer George - Trinidad & Tobago
Khiomal Nurse - Barbados (Seeded)
Luni Sparks & Electrify - Grenada (Seeded)
Patrice Roberts - Trinidad & Tobago
Ricky T - St. Lucia (Seeded)
Skinny Fabulous - St. Vincent & the Grenadines (Seeded)
Shurwayne Winchester - Trinidad & Tobago

Play Whe Groovy Soca Monarch Finalists:
(not in order of appearance)
Benjai - Trinidad & Tobago
Biggie Irie - Barbados
Faye-Ann Lyons - Trinidad & Tobago
Hunter - Trinidad & Tobago
Kerwin Du Bois - Trinidad & Tobago
Nadia Batson - Trinidad & Tobago
Patch & Ma$tamind - Trinidad & Tobago
Shurwayne Winchester - Trinidad & Tobago (Defending Champion)
Tizzy & Richard Trumpet - Antigua & Barbuda / Trinidad and Tobago
Zan - Trinidad & Tobago
Zoelah - St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Chutney Soca Monarch 2009 Finals Results

1. Kenneth Salick - “Radica Why You Leave”
2. Ravi B (Ravi Bissembhar) - “Doolarie”
3. Hunter (Lalchan Babwah) - “Jep Sting Naina”
4. Asha Kamachee - “Kasai Salona”

Synergy TV Soca Star Final Results
1. Chynee (Richard Valentine) - “They Wanna Be Like”
2. Trini Barbee (Sancha Scipio) - “Carnival Love”
3. Ayanna (Ayanna La Borde) - “Demonstrate”
4. 645 (Gregory Basso, Marvin Pollard and Johnson Greenidge) - “Jaminal”
5. Steve & Chris (Steve Walcott and Christopher Mayers) - “Soca Groove”
6. Ladies Man (Mark Eastman) - “Ladies Man”

Open Weekend Dates Announced

info@carnivalconnect.co.uk — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:35:00 GMT

We now have confirmation of the dates for the London 2012 Open Weekend 2009. This year, Open Weekend will take place between the 24 and 26 July 2009 and will form part of the celebrations to mark the three year countdown to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on 27 July 2012.

Anyone who would like to register an interest in their project/initiative being part of Open Weekend 2009 in the West Midlands, should email us in the first instance at: culturalolympiad@culturewm.org.uk.

If you would like more information about last years open weekend in the West Midlands, Click here.

The return of London 2012’s ‘Open Weekend’ Last September, all over the UK, more than 750,000 people took part in the first ‘Open Weekend’ to launch the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. More than 80% of the events were created specifically for Open Weekend and half resulted in new participants. Due to popular demand, the event will return in 2009 - it will be bigger and better, incorporating cultural, sporting and environmental initiatives. This year’s Open Weekend will take place between 24-26 July 2009 and will be part of the celebrations to mark the three year countdown to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on 27th July 2012. Now is the time to save the date and start thinking of events that could help us celebrate. More details will be announced very soon and will be available via the London 2012 website – www.london2012.com/culture Join in and be part of this year's Open Weekend.

Cultural Oympiad information

info@carnivalconnect.co.uk — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 20:24:00 GMT

Cultural Olympiad. The UK wants to put culture at the centre of the games. Not only in London but throughout the UK. The idea is to support hundreds of local and regional projects as well as large scale signature projects. This is all part of recognizing the UK’s unique diversity and wanting to change something forever about culture in the UK. The signature projects have already gone into the 2012 bid some of these include, more big screens, international collections for museums and libraries, RSC to lead performances by overseas companies, film council to run a competition for young people to create short films with an Olympic theme, festival of art and sport led by disabled people and organizations in the UK to perform in London between the Olympics and the Paralympics.

So what about regional events?
Applying to be part of the Cultural Olympiad. To be able to use the logo or the’ inspire mark’ on your event publicity. There is a process for applying to use the inspire mark this however depends on you already having funding secured for your event. Once you have funding the application process can begin. You need to meet the core values and 3 out of 7 of the themes. There is a 7 week process for applications plus a further 4 week brand approval process if you are successful. So plenty of time needs to be allowed.

The Core Values.
The London 2012 Cultural Olympiad is for everyone .

It will Celebrate London and the whole of the UK welcoming the world-our unique internationalism, cultural diversity, sharing and understanding.

Inspire and involve young people.

Generate a positive legacy-for example through cultural and sports participation, audience development, cultural skills, capacity building, urban regeneration, tourism and social cohesion and international links.

Themes.
The Cultural Olympiad will focus on the following themes;

Bringing together culture and sport.
Encouraging audiences to take part.
Animating public spaces-through street theatre, public art, circus skills, live big screen sites.
Using culture and sport to raise issues of environmental sustainability health and wellbeing.
Honoring and sharing the values of the Olympic and Paralympics games.
Encouraging collaborations and innovation between communities and cultural sectors.
Enhancing the learning, skills and personal development of young people by linking with education programmes.

The inspire mark is a badge of recognition and will form a key part in the games lasting legacy. For more information and details of how to apply for the inspire mark go to; www.london2012.com/beinspired.

Lanternhouse international latest update

info@carnivalconnect.co.uk — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:39:00 GMT

VC³ - Video Conference Call Choreography

Wednesday 10 December and Saturday 17 January

Come and be part of our test events exploring the use of web cams and WAP phones and their potential for bringing people together in a piece of Video Conference Call Choreography. If you have a web cam and would like to participate just download free software from www.ooVoo.com for the video aspect and www.skype.com for the audio choose from a time below that you would like to participate then send the time and your user names to vccc3@live.com You will then be invited to our virtual dance chat room.

Or come and participate live in any of the three free dance workshops to be held throughout each event day at Lanternhouse International, Ulverston, CUMBRIA UK. No experience necessary. Come and learn a variety of fun dances and be part of ground breaking research at the same time! Watching a Live Stream via ICECAST is a possibility so email vccc3@live.com for more info!

Wednesday 10 December

11am Free Dance Workshop for Live participants
12pm Test Event with Web cams
2:30pm Free Dance Workshop for Live participants
3:30pm Test Event with Web cams
7:30pm Free Dance Workshop for Live participants
8:30pm Test Event with Web cams

Saturday 17 January

11am Free Dance Workshop for Live participants
12pm Test Event with Web cams and WAP phones
2:30pm Free Dance Workshop for Live participants
3:30pm Test Event with Web cams and WAP phones
7:30pm Free Dance Workshop for Live participants
8:30pm Test Event with Web cams and WAP phones

For more info and dance inspiration go to www.youtube.com/VC3DANCE or www.lanternhouse.org or ring Jeanie on 01229 581 127

GLAMBA

info@carnivalconnect.co.uk — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:58:00 GMT

GLAMBA

Theatrical Percussion Show

(Special Christmas Show and Public Workshop)

Worcester Arts Workshop, Worcester – Sat 6th December 2008

Glamba are a fun theatrical percussion group who perform a unique blend of Brazilian, African and Western beats that are fused together to create a dynamic force of rhythm‘n’soul.

The Glamba stage show is lively, fun and exciting, and includes a wide range of instruments from traditional Samba drums through to experimental and contemporary work with drum-kits, electronic drums, congas, dustbins, saucepans and even a kitchen sink! The show is a family show suitable for all ages, and audience participation is a key factor in any Glamba show – audience clapping, stomping, in-seat and on-stage participation makes the night a truly unforgettable one. In recent years, members of Glamba have imprinted their infectious style on the theatre, street theatre and carnival scenes across the UK, and in 2007, Glamba members played around the world in Barbados, Australia and recently in New York. The Glamba performance features multi-media effects and contains a diverse range of art forms including dance, vocals, film and a tantalizing mix of percussive rhythms.

The show features material taken from Glamba’s debut album ‘Fused’ as well as a host of new material. Glamba also recently acquired sponsorship from the world-famous Roland electronic instrument company to endorse their new range of V-Drums.

On the day of the performance, Glamba will be hosting a beginners Samba percussion workshop at The Worcester Arts Workshop venue (details below). Participants will learn a Samba groove using a wide range of traditional Brazilian percussion instruments; they will also be invited to perform with the company on stage in the evening performance if they wish. The workshop is open to people of all ages and ability, and no musical knowledge is required – just plenty of enthusiasm!

"Not to be missed!" - Birmingham Evening Mail

"Absolutely spellbinding" - S.O.L.O

"No two shows are ever the same!” – Kingsley Theatre Audience Member, Redditch

www.glamba.co.uk

Please publish our web address wherever possible. Many thanks.

STAGE SHOW

Worcester Arts Workshop

VENUE - Worcester Arts Workshop, 21 Sansome Street, Worcester WR1 1UH
DATE - Saturday 6th December 2008
TIME - 7.00pm start
TICKET PRICE - £7.00 (£5.00 concessions)
Family Ticket: £20.00 (2 adults & 2 children under 16)
BOOKING INFORMATION - Show tickets are available by calling the Worcester Arts Workshop box office on
Tel: 01905 21095

SAMBA & WORLD PERCUSSION WORKSHOP

Worcester Arts Workshop

VENUE - Worcester Arts Workshop, 21 Sansome Street, Worcester WR1 1UH
DATE - Saturday 6th December 2008
TIME - 2.30pm – 4.30pm
TICKET PRICE - Family Workshop Ticket: £20.00 (for 2 adults & 2 children under 16)
(£6.00 per extra adult / £5.00 per extra child or concessions)
Combined Family Workshop & Show Performance Ticket: £37.00 (for 2 adults & 2 children under 16)
(£11.00 per extra adult / £8.00 per extra child or concessions)

BOOKING INFORMATION

Percussion workshop placements are available to book by calling the Worcester Arts Workshop box office on Tel: 01905 21095

Limited places available.

Meeting on the 28th of November - 2012 in the West Midlands

info@carnivalconnect.co.uk — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:32:00 GMT

Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership, 2012 Games and Carnival Connect

28 November 2008

1.

Present: Kathi Leahy – Imagineer, Nicola Richardson – Carnival Connect & Vortex Creates, Kate Morris – Rugby, Samuel Johnson – Birmingham Pride, Emily Bartlett – Birmingham City Council, Juggy and Arundeep - Masterclass Arts & Entertainment, Dave Barrett – Drumestra, Colin Bell – Frontline AV, David Moorcroft CW partnership, Paul Kaynes - WM Creative Programmer, Emma McPhearson – Friends of Cotteridge Park, Robin Thomas – Nuneaton Carnival, Lorella Medici – Winter Carnival Coventry

Apologies: Gary Jones – off your trolley, Cultural Sisters, Pat Wright - Irish Festival in Birmingham

Welcome & introductions
Background to how the meeting came about – Nicola Richardson
Festival and Carnivals Project – C&W 2012 Partnership – Dave Moorcroft
2012 Cultural Olympiad & West Midlands Region – Paul Kaynes update
Dance programme
International 2011 Programme
Discussion points: One big event / why / how / when / what?
Way forward / next steps

2.

Nicola gave a brief background as to the origins of this meeting. It began back at an on route conference in 2005, where a number of artists and organisations from the region began talking about how we as a region would respond to 2012 so that the focus is not just London, and how the region might collaborate, or at least talk to each other to make this happen. Imagineer then hosted a follow up training session in Coventry, which included a discussion about what the region needs to achieve a unified / informed lead up to 2012. It was decided that we needed a regional Network, and a number of people formed a steering group and wrote a funding application to the Arts Council. The Bid was successful and in January this year Carnival Connect launched its website. The information on the site has been growing, and after the Handover ceremony The Cultural Sisters from Stoke held and online discussion titled ‘Hand it Over to Us! Which began to revisit the question, ‘what are we going to do as a region?’. Tom Clift – co coordinator for Coventry & Warwickshire 2012 Partnership agreed to host a meeting to further this online discussion and to find out more about opportunities for 2012.

Kathi added that as well as this opportunity to come the meeting was advertised online, emails had gone out to Carnival Connects mailing list, and many organisations were called. A number of organisations were interested in the meeting today but were unable to attend and have asked to be kept informed.

3.

Dave Moorcroft how C&W 2012 Partnership want to provide support, while not ‘treading on any toes’. There are lots of fantastic festivals, carnivals and celebrations already happening, rather than trying to start anything new, wouldn’t it be great to get the Olympics into all existing festivals and Carnivals, and to develop a story going through? To try and develop relationships with other nations. It is a great opportunity to widen community involvement to be part of the Olympic experience.

4.

Paul Kaynes told the meeting that the plan for the region was that the main celebrations for the Olympics will happen in 2011, rather than 2012 which would allow more focus on the region, rather than competing with London. Paul gave the meeting a handout outlining all the information he has. Will forward an electronic version to include on website.

The plans for the London Olympics are unique and about returning to the events roots – a culture central Vision – celebrating sports and Arts. There is a UK wide Cultural programme for 4 years which began this September with the first ‘Open Weekend’ and runs through to 2012.

There are 3 layers of activity:

National Mandatory Ceremonies (welcoming, opening, closing etc.)
Large Scale ‘Signature’ Projects including
World Shakespearean Festival
2012 Sounds
Stories of the World
Carnival Project...Keith Kaan (Head of Culture) is looking at what carnival opportunities already exist. Carnivals element is currently planned to take place between the closing of the Olympics and opening of the Paralympics.
Local and regional projects and events. Can apply for the Inspire mark as a branding for your event. No money just prestige and some marketing. It has been Paul’s job to find out the vision of the West Midlands.

The Cultural Olympiad has 3 core Values:

Welcoming the world
Inspiring young people
Delivering a positive legacy.

We won’t know the success until we look back.

There are five strands to the Cultural Olympiad programme in the WM:

LOCOG ‘Signature’ Programmes
Dance Programme – about encouraging participation of all imaginable types of dance.
Community Olympian Games – inspired by W P Brookes / Much Wenlock
UK wide Cultural Festival
International Programme – ‘Connections’ – international Connections, Connecting the past, the present and the future; connecting the Region; Distinctive connections.
Principals: distinctiveness, industrial heritage, innovation and invention, diversity in all its forms, international links, strength of the cultural sector, space for new partnerships and cross cultural collaborations, technology and connections within the region and beyond, creative industries and new thinking, a central place in the heart of the country - planned for one ‘event moment’ taking place in each of the 7 sub regions

Herefordshire
Coventry / Warwickshire / Solihull
Stoke / Staffordshire
Telford / Shropshire
Birmingham
The Black Country
Worcestershire

Kathi thanked Paul for the information and suggested that it was a lot of information for the group to process and respond to right away, particularly the plan of the WM main activity to be in 2011, rather than 2012. Suggestion that the group share their own plans (if any) for 2012, and how people plan to fund this(?)

Birmingham City Council – Currently their Coordinator position is vacant. But their current plans are to develop and Olympic theme alongside ArtsFest. Nuneaton – No plans as yet, but keen to make sure the Traditional English Carnival is Celebrated and not forgotten. As it is Run by volunteers, it can be difficult to see past next year.

Friend of Cotteridge Park – Park supports a number of sporting activities with different people and groups using the park and have close connections with China which have led to tentatively thinking for the next 4 years. But it is a slow process as also run by volunteers.

Vortex Creates – new company, developing business plan but looking at making opportunities for business development in regards to 2012. Drumestra – Looking forward to what is to come, and how to respond to opportunities.

CV1 and Imagineer have been looking at the existing Godiva Festival, and how to build upon that every year leading up to 2012 with even more emphasis on reflecting communities, and to build on everyone’s own stories. Frontline AV – lots of ideas, now looking at how to move them forward, particularly with no funding.

Rugby – needs support in moving forward. Lot of missed opportunities, how to draw on strengths and opportunities already existing.

Lorella – looking how to tie in things already existing

Pride – Samuel’s company has secured Pride for next year, and is currently waiting to hear if they have been successful for the next 4 years. Their plans is for Birmingham to be a destination City, with Pride being an inclusive celebration involving everyone (don’t have to be Gay!) They are keen to develop the involvement of Dance.

KL – the question is do we want to do something as Carnival Connect, as a Region? Is there something simple as it is not easy to run an event by committee, or is it a marketing thing that celebrates what people are already doing?

CB – What is the torch route for the Games?

PK – not yet been decided, a draft rout will be up for consultation in 2009.

CB – Could be something to hang an idea on?

KL – Paul, what would the mechanism be if someone has an idea? Who should they approach?

PK – at the moment, nobody, but can register idea with area coordinator, or Paul himself.

KL – What do people think?

CB – Room for all, good to link up, but to also be autonomous

DM – We are going to look back and ask, did the Olympics feel part of the region

EM – Whether it can be something joined up depends on how many organisations due to logistics, if only a few a one day event might be possible. Marketing all existing events a good idea

NR – The difficult part is someone taking it upon themselves. Carnival Connect is a Network, owned by whoever wants to participate, but it is difficult getting people to see that if they don’t contribute, there is no Carnival Connect. There is no funding currently to coordinate something, who would, who would fundraise to do it?

EB – Good to look at what we have, in Birmingham there is a big screen, are there any more?

PK – there are plans for more

EB – the screen would be a good way of celebrating all these events, as agreed a 1 day event would be a logistical nightmare, but if they could be screened, not so, could happen at different times. Could have WM own Olympic torch run.

DM - Be good to work together as one cultural package

KL – What I think Dave is saying, What is the Cultural Olympiad for? Is it for Visitors? Is it for us?

DM both! It’s about everyone feeling part of it.

PK – The main beneficiaries are people who live here. But we want to use the programme to promote ourselves as a region. To change the wider perception, not just during the games. Benefits will mainly happen after the games, host cities actually see a fall in tourist numbers during the Games.

KL – How do people get involved?

PK – Inspire mark is just one of the ways. Open Weekends are for people to take part. No dates yet, but at least 3 in lead up to the games. Will be either annually or biannually

KL – there is a money issue. It is a big commitment without funding for organisations. Particularly in light of 2011 as a date, as will organisations want to commit so much to the year before?

LM – lots of things, but it is difficult to see how it is relevant to us, to everyone. It’s something that we watch on the telly, how does it become something more

DM – Lots of people just watch it on the Telly, others will go to London, the challenge for us is how can we make the whole of England come Alive, and really feel part of this fantastic opportunity.

SJ – we see it a great advertising opportunity, and chance to be part for something worldwide

KL – Depends on content, what you do, can you develop something that really does leave a legacy? There is a scepticism, people feel on the outside of the information...

PK – people have a moment where they first become aware of the Olympics. London want to spread the approach, want to inspire people to do something they wouldn’t ordinarily do. To promote a sense of human endeavour.

KL – enough time to raise money and plan? 2011 has thrown some of us, most want to do something in 2012. If there is no money do people still want to do something?

Both Nuneaton and FoCP both responded to funding issue, that being a volunteer run organisation, they will just get sponsors as usual, no funding will not stop them. Colin shared one idea, and both DM and PK signposted him to look into more details for the Community Olympic Games

DM – in CW Partnership, keen to try and find funding if there are good ideas.

PK – Big lottery will look to fund community games, there will be a toolkit put together by Legacy Trust money and communities will be able to use this to help the to apply for funding

NR – for me and various things involved with, it’s about making connections with what already exists and is planned, and how to develop these connections. How do we decide what is an Olympic project? Who Decides? Area Coordinators feed through to Paul.

Where do we go from here?

The meeting concluded with agreement that discussion will continue on the website, and to see how that develops. There will be another meeting planned, if all agree it is useful, but it was agreed that time is needed to digest the information, and for ideas to develop online.

Paul added that he is happy to meet with anyone from the region in a 1-2-1. And often has surgery days, contact him to arrange if wanted.

Coventry Carribean Festival

info@carnivalconnect.co.uk — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 09:54:00 GMT

Fresh Enterprise Association stage the ‘Annual Coventry Caribbean Festival’ which has now been running for more than 16 years. During this time we can boast that we attract people not only from Coventry but regular Festival goers and stall holders from across the Country.

Fresh Enterprise manage and stage the festival supported by the Coventry city council and funders. We are a non profit making organisation who are supported by a dedicated team of Directors and associates who tirelessly work to make the Festival a success.

The festival is particularly important to Coventry as it is the one occasion that the Black community come together to share and fellowship in music games and to celebrate all the things that give us a our identity and to make the festival day a family day out.

This years festival was a held on Saturday 26th July at the War Mermorial Park. The weather was beautifully sunny and the smell of the Jerk Chicken cooked in traditional west Indian way gave you a taste of the Caribbean amid the smell of hot dogs and Jacket potatoes intising everyones taste buds. The reagea music along with the weather generated a atomosphere of celebration and embracing the mixed diversty of culture that were mingling together on the day.

The success of the Festival was down to the planning, managing and the co-operation of all who attended on the day both young and old.

The festival has now become a mayor feature of the summer calendar eagerly anticipated by all, we hope to continue to engage and embrace in your thoughts and suggestions as to how we will take the Coventry Caribbean Festival to another level. If you would be interested in help take part or have any ideas you would like to suggest us to us please contact us on call us on 024 7625 2250.

Caldmore Carnival adopts a poet laureate

info@carnivalconnect.co.uk — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 08:45:00 GMT

This sunday the 5th of October see's the 6th Caldmore Carnival. Alongside the usual fun and festivities, not to mention the costumes, Caldmore have 'adopted' a local resident as Caldmore Carnival poet laureate...

Carnival Workshop 2008

‘Confusion’ to the untrained eye,
Or ‘Glorified Chaos’ to passers by,
But ‘Miracles’ to those who know
And ‘Magic’ abounds for those who go.

As bits of net and plastic green,
Sticks and wires and glittery sheen
On materials, of every hue,
Come to the workshops, we’ll share it with you.

From ladybirds and wind of Spring
That heralds all that Nature brings
Throughout the seasons, come and see,
Come and share it all with me,

‘Blue Peter’ thought that they were best,
But ‘Garry Jones’ has passed the test,
His wondrous talent and creative art,
Combined with humour doth impart
A talent rare and sharpened wit,
Avoid, being on the end of it,
The start of each carnival, he’s gentle and mellow
Nearing the end he’s a triumphant fellow.

No longer ‘just trolley’s’ as they catch your eye
But displays of magic adorn the sky
Feather and plumage of colours bright,
Dazzle like rainbows in your sight

Look for the Scarecrow with crows that caw
Seek out the gnomes the fairies and more
Gasp at the seasons the height of the trees
Watch out for the snowflakes that dance in the breeze
The glory of Autumn, grapes before the wine
Think on the possibility ‘one of these could have been mine’

Which would you have chosen? From designs in your head
It’s more fun that TV or just going to bed.

So next year won’t you join us?
‘Caldmore’ brings this feast for you,
Appreciate the dedication,
And come and see what you can do.

Linda Cooper 01/10/2008

West Midlands Celebrates the Olympic handover with Carnival show!

info@carnivalconnect.co.uk — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:21:00 GMT

On the 24th of August Beijing handed over the Olympics to London. Celebrations, including the broadcast of the official ceremony on large screens, happened accross the country. Proudly, the event celebrated as one of the most comprehensive and spectacular outside London happened here in the West Midlands.

Imagineer Productions joined forces with Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership 2012 Games, Coventry City Council, CVOne and Kinetika for a day of performances and events celebrating the Olympic handover from Beijing to London.

Germination, Sowing the Seeds was an outdoor carnival styled street theatre performance, culminating in a spectacular finale, bringing together 350 performers from Coventry, London, Nottingham, Stockton, with live music, drumming, giant puppets and amazing carnival costumes. The day also saw a huge array of free events including a live screening of the Beijing closing ceremony and handover from Beijing to London, and a parade of Coventry and Warwickshire's Olympic and Paralympic legends

Germination marks the launch of Imagination Our Nation (ION), an ambitious project led by London based carnival arts company, Kinetika,that explores cities of the future with young people across the UK and beyond. ION is a local, regional and international project that explores contemporary British cultural identity over five years leading up to 2012 through music, dance, carnival, street arts, circus, theatre and digital arts and has young people from the UK at the heart of it!

A new publication from the Arts Council.....

info@carnivalconnect.co.uk — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:48:00 GMT

The Arts Council has just published; New Landscapes: Outdoor arts development plan

It is a plan to support the development needs of outdoor arts in England, worth a read. Visit www.artscouncil.org.uk/publications

2012 - Key issues from Carnival seminars

info@carnivalconnect.co.uk — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 11:29:00 GMT

This year's Carnival seminars raised many questions and issues about 2012. They are handily summarised at the Carnival Seminar website, where there is also a very useful background briefing document which really is essential reading to understand the structure of the Cultural Olympiad and potential opportunities.

Follow this link straight to the page - www.carnivalseminar08.org.uk/issues

Carnival Connect on Facebook

info@carnivalconnect.co.uk — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 16:15:00 GMT

Carnival Connect now has its own group on Facebook to try and raise more awareness of its existance in the Carnival community. If you already have a facebook account, why not join the group?

Funding for Carnival Connect Events

info@carnivalconnect.co.uk — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Carnival Connect is a network for artists and producers in the West Midlands to promote work, share ideas and information and to recieve training and networking opportunities. It is also a source of information for anyone wanting more information about Carnival Arts. It does this primarily through the website, but also understands the value of getting people together for live events. To fulfil this ambition Carnival Connect is looking to source further funding to support three events, Sowing the seeds, Carnival Creation and Research and Development.

Carnival Connect aims to provide valuable events, and as they are designed with West Midlands Carnivals and Artists in mind, we wanted to post the main ideas for the events on the website for you to read, comment and suggest.

You can either leave feedback for this news item by registering on the site (free and simple to do) or sending your comments via the Contact us page

The Bid

We would like to bring carnivals together from across the region for 'Sowing the Seeds' on 24^th August 2008 to mark carnivals in Coventry & Warwickshire & the region coming together for the Olympic handover. This will be an event that also launches ImagiNation Our Nation - a national carnival arts project which brings 7 regions together from the UK. This will be a high profile event which will showcase carnival arts and the contribution they will make to the Cultural Olympiad. It will be very inspiring for carnival artists / organisations to see each others diverse work . It will also give organisations the experience of working together. Carnival Connect will have the opportunity to promote itself and recruit new members. Our second event will be a week of training in all aspects of carnival called Carnival Creation. This will be in partnership with Arts & Media Training and cover areas such as artistic visioning, designing for carnival, making, logistics. The aim is to share & develop good working practise across the region which in turn will develop the overall deliver and quality of carnival. It will also bring people together face to face - an aspiration of the network. Finally one of the reasons the network was created was to look at how as a region the carnival arts sector could respond to and contribute to the Cultural Olympiad. Focussing on one of the cultural Olympiad theme 'Adopt a Nation' we would like to create some space for artists/ organisations to come together to begin to explore the possibilities / opportunities of international partnerships which could grow and develop over the next 5 years. This would involve a couple of sessions of visioning / brainstorming and then creating a proposal for a larger bid. Carnival Connect is primarily a network for carnival artists and organisations across the region. It aims to act as a resource of knowledge, information and opportunities to develop skills and inspire artists, and also to share and develop good working practise. It operates through a web site and through live events. This proposal aims to meet the aspirations first identified by the network prior to the launch of the website. Through this programme of events we will build the profile of Carnival Connect in the region, raise the standards of carnival production through sharing and developing skills and stimulate and inspire new kind of carnival through international collaboration.

We aim to draw people together in the region who are at varying stages of development with their carnivals to give us all a shared vocabulary and to share a broader understanding of carnival and it's relevance to contemporary audiences and to aim higher with 2012 in sight.

Carnival Connect will organise and co-ordinate the activity and where appropriate seek established partners to deliver the events e.g. Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership - 2012, Culture & Heritage Sub Group, Arts & Media Training Consortium and skilled trainers.

This activity is important to our organisation for a number of reasons. The website depends on its membership for development - the more artists / organisations that are aware of the network the more likely the membership is to grow. There are a lot of 'hidden' artists / practitioners in the carnival sector - volunteers, community participants, artists who may practise in more than one artform etc The importance of events is that it gives the network opportunities to promote itself, raise the profile and show what it can do. Events engage people and allows it's current members to 'spread the word'. Due to it being a regional network and also the nature of carnival people do not have the opportunity or time to get together very often and so Ultimately to be able to deliver for 2012 Carnivals of excellence, be a fore runner in being able to deliver training and development programmes in carnival and broadening the membership of Carnival Connect

This activity is important to us because without the programme we are unable to reach the full potential of Carnival Connect and its aims. Through events we also build membership and that in turn generates news / information / resource for the website. The way people learn about carnival is through participation otherwise it becomes a theoretical exercise-virtual carnival. The programme will allow more practical access to carnival arts and will empower people to develop their own carnival work and organisations to develop their practise through broadening their knowledge and having first hand experience and education.

Through developing artist skills they are able to deliver a high quality service. The more artist/ organisations developing skills the greater the number of participants who will gain access to the carnival arts. In effect by 'tooling up' artists and organisations and also be inspiring them we are encouraging everyone to aim higher, to be able to deliver more effectively and efficiently and to increase capacity.

Coordinators - Kathi Leahy and Nicola Richardson have a wide experience of carnival arts and its delivery supported by the steering group who have expertise in the region. Finances managed by Imagineer Productions on behalf of Carnival Connect to ensure sound administrative base. Consultation will take place through the website with it's members and also face to face meetings to develop and deliver this programme of events

We will bring in both national and international carnival arts experts as trainers / inspiration. Employment of artists and skill sharing will also happen as a result of this programme.

Sowing the Seeds

The Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership - 2012 Culture & heritage sub group are developing the following plan.

It will be a one day event on 24th August in Coventry marking the hand over in Bejing. The build up - From 12 noon there will be exhibitions which are the culmination of research & development work into the major landmark projects for Coventry & Warwickshire. Olympic legends from the area will be present. A range of sporting and cultural activities will take place in and around University Square. A launch of the journies website which will be interactive - people will be able to set out there journies for 2012. Regional carnivals would be programmed in performance spaces around the city.

Carnival Connect aims to bring together Carnivals from across the region this is the perfect event for carnivals to showcase what they can contribute and also to see the work of many more organisations at one event. Due to the large number of Carnivals in the region, clashing timings and sheer magnitude of geographical location many carnivals happen in isolation and artists and organisations unable to always experience each others carnivals. This event will allow these carnivals to come together to network, share ideas and open up opportunities for region wide collaborations.

It will also raise Carnival Connects profile in two ways, firstly by being part of such a high profile event and being visible to a wider audience, providing access to real people behind the website. Secondly, for artists and organisations to see Carnival Connect as an organisation who provides opportunities and therefore encouraging more commitment from the Carnival Communities.

The opportunity to be part of this event will be advertised on the Carnival Connect website, sent out to the mailing list, advertised through other networks such as local authorities, and key organisations within the region will be contacted in person.

Carnival Connect will support 5 organisations, with up to 30 performers from each, from across the region to participate in the event. This support will be with transport, coordination and management. There will also be space for individual performers/ artists/ organisations to participate on the day.

Carnival Creation

A week of training in October. Sourcing and procurement of Trainers to begin June. Advertising to begin August. Final information packs to be sent to delegates first week in October.

Carnival Creation will be a week of training, including a masterclass, (artists and organisations choosing which days are best suited to their specialisms) addressing all aspects of Carnival; Logistics, Mas, Puppetry, Performance, Carnival Vision. As we as promoting best practice and increasing knowledge and skills, it aims to be an opportunity for people working in the same fields to come together, network and share experiences and hopefully provide long lasting region-wide links.

Research and Development

A creative brainstorming approach to visioning will be facilitated by Imagineer to tease out the possibilities that international collaboration could open up. The opportunity to share and learn from an international partner, and visa versa Is this work practical? It will start as something we explore through the website. For example we will creatively brainstorm through a forum and then encourage members to think about the possibilities and post proposals on the site. These can be voted for by the members and the most popular then to become the basis for two creative visioning days.

These days would be facilitated by Imagineer - the aim to come up with an outline / proposal for international collaboration for Carnival Connect which. This would then be the basis for a major funding application. The proposed start date for this period of R & D to start is January 09.

These events will raise Carnival Connects Profile by being more visible in the Carnival Community, by providing valuable training and networking opportunities, and promoting best practise for Carnivals. All events will be well documented on the website and will hopefully provoke more feedback and discussion on the forums.

Zandra Rhodes Judges MAD UK

info@carnivalconnect.co.uk — Fri, 16 May 2008 10:42:00 GMT

MAD UK 2008 welcomed the iconic fashion designer, Zandra Rhodes to join its panel of expert judges in this years competition, held at Warwick University Arts Centre.

Entrants could enter a design into one of four categories, 'The science of Happiness' this year's category for 16-18 year olds, 'Time Travel', 'Living Architecture' and 'This sporting life'.

The live finals were full of spectacular performances which accompanied the showcasing of the finalist's costumes. The competition was tough, and each costume showed and unique response to the category.

This year's winners were, Anna Lewis for Bloodsports - The Monarch of the Glen in 'This sporting Life', Trudy Rees-Marklew for Hysterical Coventry in 'Living Architecture', and Marianne Taviner and Nicola Richardson for 'Where Time Becomes a Loop' in 'Time Travel'. Marianne and Nicola were also awarded with a commendation from Zandra Rhodes.

Next years categories are announced on the official website on the 1^st of July. For more information about the competition, and how to enter next year, visit www.maduklive.co.uk

Carnival Connect

Godiva Carnival

Trinidad 2009 Carnival Results......

Open Weekend Dates Announced

Cultural Oympiad information

Lanternhouse international latest update

VC3 - Video Conference Call Choreography

GLAMBA

GLAMBA

Worcester Arts Workshop, Worcester – Sat 6th December 2008

STAGE SHOW

SAMBA & WORLD PERCUSSION WORKSHOP

Meeting on the 28th of November - 2012 in the West Midlands

Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership, 2012 Games and Carnival Connect

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Where do we go from here?

Coventry Carribean Festival

Caldmore Carnival adopts a poet laureate

Carnival Workshop 2008

West Midlands Celebrates the Olympic handover with Carnival show!

A new publication from the Arts Council.....

2012 - Key issues from Carnival seminars

Carnival Connect on Facebook

Funding for Carnival Connect Events

The Bid

Sowing the Seeds

Carnival Creation

Research and Development

Zandra Rhodes Judges MAD UK

VC³ - Video Conference Call Choreography