Carnival and Celebratory Arts

Collective celebrations in communities are exciting and important. Community-lead Carnival has a meaning and resonance for those who take part and those who watch.

Dot to Dot can provide artists who are both makers and performers to either run workshops directly with groups, or provide training for others to do so. By helping to develop themes, sharing skills and techniques, Dot to Dot provides that ‘Wow!’ factor for the big parade or community performance.

Paulsgrove and Wymering host Portsmouth’s only annually run and community-led carnival. Started in 1985, it provides an opportunity for local people and artists to work together to create a procession through the area, returning to the carnival field with stalls, rides and entertainment which are organised by the local carnival committee. Dot to Dot works on this event every year.

“I just love being part of the Carnival and making and doing all the glittering. It’s brilliant!” A Paulsgrove resident

Not all celebration happens in the summer. The Halloween Happening has tapped into "trick or treating" in a positive way, ensuring older residents feel safe whilst children, young people and their families celebrate in a lantern light procession on the street. The positive engagement reduces “nuisance call-outs” and provides an opportunity to celebrate after dark.

“My thoughts are [that it was] pretty much fantastic. In fact it went much better than I expected. It was great for improving young people’s view of the police and they’ve been talking about it since.”
Motiv8 worker, involved in Halloween Happening.

Public celebrations in an area raises individuals’ self-esteem and helps to change residents’ and others’ views of the community they live in. It can also be a great way for agencies to consult communities or get their messages across in a relaxed and informal setting.

Above all, it is fun.

Dot to Dot can help communities establish new celebrations and enhance existing ones with banners, back-packed figures and costumes, dancers, drumming, face paintings, flags and more.

“Every year I see the banner, it makes me proud
to know I helped make it.”
Participant, Paulsgrove Carnival Banner.