Carnival for Batley and Mirfield set to collapse unless £5k raised

Callaloo Carnival Arts needs to raise £10,000 for six socially-distanced outdoor theatrical shows at schools and care homes in Mirfield and Batley.

Kirklees Council has pledged £4,500 but the £10,000 total must be reached by December 16 or the bid collapses.

Carnival producer Marina Poppa said: “We had almost all our work cancelled this year due to Covid-19.

“This was a disaster for our finances, obviously, but also had a significant impact on our mental health.

“We do this work because it helps us to feel better and to cope when we are unwell or low - and because we believe it is needed.

“We bring people together and transform local places, put smiles on people's faces. People tell us it makes them feel better too!

“When I saw that a colleague in Margate had organised a 'Doorstep Carnival', taking a small number of professional masqueraders into housing estates and neighbourhoods, my brain started whirring."

The performances will use giant puppets, music and costumed dancers to tell stories inspired by a book of poems about nature called 'The Lost Words' by Robert Macfarlane.

Ms Poppa said: “If enough people make a pledge we'll secure the funds to deliver the project, otherwise it stays on the drawing board.

“We're handing power directly to our local community to decide whether or not this project goes ahead.”

To make a pledge go to: www.spacehive.com