STEP 1 — LISTEN

Nor consulted the Playing Out in Canley steering group and held informal conversations with residents about what kind of celebration Canley had never had. The consistent theme: something visible, something joyful, something that belonged to everyone — not just the arts community. Residents wanted to participate, not just watch.

STEP 2 — CO-CREATE

Between March and June each year, a series of 6–8 workshops runs across Canley — in the community centre, the library, local schools, and care homes. Local artists, supported by Warwick Arts Centre, lead sessions where participants design and build parade props: floats, banners, costumes, and large-scale sculptural pieces. The Warwick Volunteers project leader co-organises workshops, creating a meaningful student-community connection. Every design decision is made by participants. Nor provides the framework; the community provides the content.

STEP 3 — DELIVER

On parade day, Canley's streets are transformed. The Canley Samba Band sets the rhythm from the front. Behind them, a vivid procession of handmade costumes and animated props — built by residents who have never considered themselves artists — winds through a 1.9-mile route specially designed to pass streets where elderly and housebound residents live, so they can watch from their windows and gardens. The parade ends at Prior Deram Park, where the Big Lunch celebration is already underway. The route planning is itself an act of inclusion. Care home residents who cannot leave their buildings become spectators and witnesses. Neighbours who might never venture out are given the parade as a gift delivered to their doorstep.

STEP 4 — REFLECT

Each year, Nor and the steering group review what worked and what participants wanted to develop. Year-on-year growth in active participants — from 150 to 350+ — demonstrates increasing community ownership. The 2024 and 2025 parade featured the most ambitious prop-making yet, reflecting the growing confidence and skill of regular participants. Safeguarding has become an increasingly important reflection point as more young people join — children under 12 must be accompanied by adults, and Nor works with schools to ensure this is managed safely.