2003:Guernica’ – the opposite of carnival – a lament for people who suffer because of war. First appearance at Manchester Caribbean Carnival.Costumes made from specially printed fabric in black and white depicting life’s struggles. Choreography by Vicki Van Mechelen. Guest artist: James Martins from Rio de Janeiro.
2004:‘Caravel’ – a journey over land and sea, with fantastic creatures, to celebrate man’s desire for discovery.Premiered at Festival of the Sea, Barrow in Furness.First appearance at Leeds Caribbean Carnival.
2005:Theme: ‘Microcosm’ – the little world of the goldfish bowl and the desire to escape…Artistic Director becomes Arts Council Fellow with a six week fellowship at Estacio de Sa in Rio de Janeiro.Glasgow West End Festival and 15 other events!
2006:Theme: ‘Polaris’ – magnetism and polarity – the effect on the world of natural phenomena. Year round workshops at our Carnival Centre. Work with Eraldo and Adriana from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
2007:Theme: ‘Vanguard’ Our planet is just a ‘pale blue dot’ when photographed from the extremity of our solar system by Voyager, a vanguard of space exploration.
2008: Early summer carnivals: Barracudas Remixed. Later summer: Leicester Carnival, and new project planned with Meninos Oldham.
June 4, 2008 at 11:40 am |
I saw Paul McLaren’s big sparkling angel parading down Abbey Road and it was amazing. It was a really cold December night but the warmth of Barracudas music and the bright costumes made it feel like summer!
June 16, 2008 at 9:25 am |
When I started with the band I thought that I would never be able to play an instrument. At first I struggled to understand but now I feel proud of my place in the band. When I started I was having a bad time in my own life. I was very stressed, had little confidence and was very shy. Going to events and being in front of people has helped me gain confidence. Meeting new people has helped me make friends I value. Going to new places in the country is great and helps me relax after a hard week at work. I feel proud to say I’m part of Barracudas. I get to spend time with my famiy who also joined up and my friends and have a good laugh. Thanks Julie and team for giving my this opportunity!
June 16, 2008 at 10:01 am |
I’ve been a Barracuda now for eight years and there have been so many fantastic performances and I’ve met so many amazing people! When I first joined the group I had rarely left the Furness area and had never performed in a carnival or walked on stilts before. Now I am proud to say that I have performed all over the country and I teach other people how to stilt walk. The opportunities that I have experienced at Barracudas couldn’t be found anywhere else. This year will be the eight time that I have performed in Barrow carnival and I cannot wait!
September 27, 2008 at 4:38 pm |
I’ve Only Been A Barracuda For 2 Years, But It Has Brought To Me New, Exciting Experiences That, For Me, Are Unforgetable. Julie Has Created A Fantastic Carnival Band With Talents That Are Brilliant. I Want To Thank Julie For My Experiences And To Keep Up The Great Work:D.x
December 26, 2008 at 2:58 pm |
I’ve been dancing on barracudas for a while now and i have enjoyed lots of things
espicially dancing with the carnival 
and you get to meet new friiends (:
this carnival is great and i hope this carnival will continue for many more years