Canley Parade returning for 2024 as large crowds expected

The Canley Parade is returning for 2024 and this year's event will highlight the local environment and the importance of community togetherness. The colourful celebration - this year themed around "Nurture Nature" - is taking place for a fourth year on Saturday, June 22.

There will again be a vibrant and colourful procession for all ages through the streets of Canley. In the lead up to the big day the community is being encouraged to join in with weekly workshops to create costumes and props that will be used in the parade.

People can also take up free drumming sessions as part of the Canley Samba Band. Following the parade, attendees are invited to a Big Lunch at Prior Deram Park.

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The event is being organised by the University of Warwick in collaboration with Warwick Arts Centre and the Canley community. Gemma Wright, head of creative at Warwick Arts Centre said: “We are thrilled to be working alongside our friends in Canley on the fourth Canley Parade, which this year coincides with the Big Lunch.

"It is always a joyous day full of colour, music, food and creativity that brings everyone from the community together. We can't wait to see the amazing creations and responses to this year's theme of Nurture Nature and be joined by residents and groups from across the area.

"This year the community are leading on the arrangements with the support of the team from Warwick Arts Centre to embed this wonderful celebratory day into the annual Canley calendar. As the Canley saying goes, We Can In Canley!”

The festivities will kick off with the parade at 11am, beginning at Canley Community Church on Charter Avenue. It is due to end at Prior Deram Park at approximately 12.30pm.

The Big Lunch at Prior Deram Park will feature free food served by the Canley Pop Up Cafe. There will also be a variety of community stalls, and activities for all ages.

Nor Aziz, founder of Canley Pop-Up Café and Canley resident said: “The Big Lunch and Parade unite Canley's diverse community, with support from the Inclusive Communities Fund and the University of Warwick we’ve been able to make the event free for everyone. Thanks to the collaborative effort of local groups like the Canley Pop Up Café, Community Centre, churches, and stakeholders such as the local library, the leisure centre and local councillors we’ve been able to create an inclusive and impactful event."

How to join this year's parade

Free prop and costume-making workshops led by ‘Parrot Lady’ Dotti Sallis and Nor Aziz will take place at Canley Community Centre on May 25, June 1, June 8 and June 15 from 1-4pm. They are suitable for ages five and up but children must be supervised.

You can join the Canley Samba Band to learn how to drum ready to perform in the parade every Monday. Sessions take place during term time from 6 to 8pm at Canley Community Centre.

To take part in the parade, register by completing this form by Monday, June 3.

Parade route and road closures

The parade will begin at Canley Community Church, onto Glebe Close, past Willowbrook Residential Village and proceed along Kele Road, Thomas Sharp Street, Mitchell Avenue, Wendiburgh Street, John Rous Avenue, Mayors Croft, and Sheriff Avenue, finally crossing Templars Field to end at Prior Deram Park.

There will be rolling road closures along the route for up to 15 minutes during the event. The following roads will be affected: Kele Road, Glebe Close, Wansfell Close, Penrose Close, Donegal Close, Thomas Sharp Street, Mitchell Avenue, Wendiburgh Street, Langwood Close, John Rous Avenue, Mayors Croft, Henry Boteler Road, Templar Fields, Freeburn Causeway, Prior Deram Walk, Queen Margarets Road, Hemsby Close, Walsall Street.

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