Weymouth Arts Network

Moving Tides Procession at Spirit of the Sea Festival

The ‘Moving Tides’ procession (part of the Spirit of the Sea Festival) was a great success. This colourful spectacle with a sea theme was a collaboration between Kinetica, commisioned local artists, members of Weymouth Arts Network, youngsters from the local area and Weymouth College. The first section of the procession was designed by two local artists, built and exhibited with the help of various volunteers including Weymouth Arts Network members, pupils from local schools and visiting Spanish language students. The procession was lead by two giant puppets; Queen Elizabeth II and King Phillip of Spain (designed by Sarah Butterworth) reflecting an ‘Armada’ theme, plus participants wore hats in the shape of English and Spanish galleons (designed by Maggie Foottit), carrying paper sea gulls and sea waves . The rest of the procession was designed and co-ordinated by ‘Kinetica’ who specialise in carnival workshops again assisted by children from local schools, with a mixture of colourful costumes and various musical instruments. The procession danced its way to the town clock via the sea front at Greenhill. From here it took its position on the Esplanade road, making its way along the harbourside to Brewers Quay, to the delight of an appreciative audience and passers by. The whole event lit up Weymouth with a spectacle of vivid colour, music and exhuberance. Press coverage here. Dorset Echo Letters. Echo Photographs.

Procession photos 01 (above) by Grace Williams

Procession photos 02 (above) by Jackie Avery

Procession Props Under Construction

For more photos, see here.