1998:HQ at the Old Fire Station.Theme: ‘Glassycle’, designed by Salvatore Forino for the opening of the National Glass Museum, Sunderland where we perform on the glass roof. First stilt walking. Steve Newby creates reconstructed carnival bikes.
1999:Theme: ‘The Firebird’ to symbolise the end of the millennium. Artistic Director travels to Venice and Viareggio for the carnivals of northern Italy. First use of our trademark ’spiral’ costumes.
2000:Theme: ‘Flesh’… textures and shapes of the body and putting insides on the outside. Back to Unit 5B.First appearance at Notting Hill Carnival.Work with Mahogany Arts.
2001:Move in permanently to The Old Technical College, now renamed The Nan Tait Centre. Purposely refurbished workshops and rehearsal space.Theme: ‘Fujiyama’ with guest designer Eiko Kawashima. Arts Council of England invite Barracudas to form “The Carnival Consortium” with The Trinidad-n-Tobago Carnival Club and the Nottingham Carnival Club.
2002:Theme: ‘Fuse’ – to show the fusion of cultures in our show. Queen’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations in London. Manchester: Commonwealth Games Street Arts Programme.Became Registered Charity. Music Director Doug Gillam.
June 9, 2008 at 11:52 am |
I remember the Golden Jubilee parade (on stilts) – was absolutely amazing…by far the best performance that I remember us doing. I just remember the masses of people lining the streets watching us perform, and then us stilt walkers were told off by the Queen’s police for leaning on the palace at the end!! Also loved doing the Notting Hill Carnivals, again just a great vibe from the people there to watch!!