Janine GriffithsResidents in East Leeds are being encouraged to roll up their sleeves and take part in a creative community project that will bring a burst of colour to the streets next month. Volunteers are meeting at Crossgates Community Centre to help make giant swift models that will feature in this year’s Swift Homecoming Parade.
The free workshops ran on Saturday mornings from 9.30am to 11am and started on April 4th, with remaining sessions on April 11, 18 and 25, followed by the final making day on May 2. Families are welcome at any point during the sessions and there is no need to book. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The project is being led by Helen Lucy in partnership with Connecting Crossgates, with organisers hoping to capture the excitement around the return of swifts to the area each spring. Photos on the poster show children and adults building large bird sculptures from lightweight materials, with finished models ready to be carried on parade day.
The Swift Homecoming Parade is scheduled for Sunday May 10 and will feature live music from Bare Brass Band along with a performance by Dave, known locally for his unicycling swift costume. Further details of the event will be announced closer to the date.
Organisers say the making sessions are a relaxed way for residents to meet new people, learn creative skills and contribute to a celebration that brings the local community together year after year.
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