In collaboration with Queen’s Park Community Organisation, Bedford Creative Arts commissioned Utopia Mas UK to create costumes and an art installation to celebrate the late Queen Elizabeth II platinum Jubilee.

Over the course of 4 weeks, Utopia Mas UK delivered workshops to schools and community groups in Bedford. In each workshop, participants created ‘flowers’ using petals, leaves and fabric which would be worn at the parade and then transformed into a Boquet of Unity at the end of the parade. The artwork symbolised the diversity in the community.

The project was successful as the pupils made vibrant costumes and head pieces for the Bouquet in the workshops in school. Despite poor weather on the day, those who participated donned the costumes to create a wonderful parade led by local dignitaries such as the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sherrif. The parade ended at Queen’s Park Community Orchard where a festival with music, food and stalls took place. The whole event was opened by the Lord Lieutenant, Helen Nellis. Luma Sounds provided an amazing programme of performers and dancers. 

This was a fantastic new partnership and initial ideas for the parade were discussed with the Queen’s Park Community Organisation Jubilee Multicultural Parade steering group which is made up of community leaders, providers and school educators.

The parade ended at Queen’s Park Community Orchard where a festival with music, food and stalls took place. The whole event was opened by the Lord Lieutenant, Helen Nellis. Luma Sounds provided an amazing programme of performers and dancers.