1988:The Barracudas, set up for the Carnivals of Furness by Pete Moser, musician-in-residence for Welfare State International’s programme of arts development in Barrow-in-Furness. Dancers from Marion Barstow School of Dance, Dalton-in-Furness, and musicians from Pete’s community music programme. First rehearsal altogether at Barrow Civic Hall. Two person submarine firing off coloured smokes. Group photo taken at first carnival for Barracudas on Dowdales School Field.
1989:Theme: The Carnival of the Sea. Rainbow Worriers – first backpack costumes, design by Marlis Price, using coloured plastic. HQ: Storey Square, Barrow
1990:Theme: Shipyard Tales. Feast of Furness culminating in The Golden Submarine, Welfare State International’s outdoor show at Furness Amphitheatre. Dancers had their own ‘terraced house’ costume they inhabited and joined up to represent one of Barrow’s streets. Musicians wore boat hats. Appeared at Granada TV Festival, Glasgow City of Culture Lantern Parade. HQ Garage opposite The Strawberry.
1991:HQ: Dalton Town Hall. Theme: ‘Freedom of the Air’ celebrating first year of independent identity.Worked with Grand Union Orchestra musicians. Becomes project managed by Arts Service of Barrow Borough Council. Design by Marlis Price, using ripstop fabric. Male section of six ‘Macho Mackaws’.WOMAD – Morecambe.Toxteth.Kendal Torchlight Parade. Festival of Comedy, Liverpool.Torrisholme Carnival.Ulverston Lantern Procession.
1992:‘The Underworld’ created at HQ Brady’s Warehouse.Backpacks includes Bright Sparks, Bats Hounds and many tailed Devil.Moved into The Old Technical College for the first time. Design Marlis Price, Choreography Tanya Cusan, Pippa Coleman. Music Karli. Cent, 5 Cent, 10 Cent, Dollar.
June 15, 2008 at 10:02 am |
Well… how great to see this site and all the collective memories. Extraordinary that the energy has kept it all going for this long and that so many people have stayed in touch and in the band !
From across the bay here in Morecambe I send wishes and tunes and more…
Sorry can’t be there on the 28th … I will try to get to another date…
Pete
June 26, 2008 at 11:06 am |
Hallo All,
I echo Petes sentiments. Great to see all those faces from the past. A top band. Long may you be.
Have a great time on the 28th.
Geordie Paul
March 23, 2009 at 9:47 am |
Hi Everyone,
I was a devil in 1992 before running away to join a circus in Spain. I now live near Kirkcudbright and shall probably be in the parade belly-dancing. I am delighted you are coming up. As we are a new troupe, (there are only 3 of us), do you think we could tag on with you? The other member is also an old Barrovian. I met Julie Hammerton in 1989 though she probably won’t remember me. I also sat with Pippa whilst she judged a dancing competition. I think that was in Askam. Does anyone remmber me and could me and my chum,s boogie with you? We are trying to encourage the females of our area to enjoy their bodies and embrace them by dancing but it’s quite dour around here. Once again, I’m really chuffed you’ll be here to liven things up in August.
Elaine