As News OnTheWight reported last summer, the talented folk from Shademakers – the UK carnival club based on the Isle of Wight – having had the extreme honour of being selected by the Queen’s Jubilee Pageant Team to be part of the celebrations commemorating 70 years on the throne.
A Pageant that will see Islanders parading down The Mall to Buckingham Palace on Sunday 5th June.
First dress rehearsal
On Friday night, News OnTheWight were lucky enough to look on as one small part of the 250 people, 120 costumes-strong Queen’s Jubilee Pageant contingent from the Isle of Wight took part in their first dress rehearsal.
We captured some short videos, took photos and chatted to the Creative Director, Sharon George, as well as those lucky Islanders taking part.
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The Queen’s Beasts
Shademakers are one of 12 groups taking part in Act III of the Pageant, titled Let’s Celebrate. Those watching the Pageant can expect to see elaborate costumed figures representing the Four Nations and the Queen’s Beasts.
The ten sculptures of heraldic beasts that the Queen walked past when entering Westminster Abbey 70 years ago for her Coronation will be portrayed by knights on horseback.
Listen to our podcast with Shademakers in August 2021
when they first announced the news.
Magnificent Scottish unicorns and dancers
At the rehearsal, twenty magnificent Scottish unicorns and eight Scottish dancers gathered in the very apt, Island Riding Centre, their costumes every bit as flamboyant as you would expect from Shademakers.
In our chat with Sharon George, she goes into some of the details, which is frankly awe-inspiring.
There’s no doubt, the costumes are stunning in their design – and every piece is hand-made – , but that’s only part of it.
What isn’t obvious is all of the skills and decades of experience that goes into making sure all of the costumes are easy to transport (sustainability is front of their minds) without damage and when they get up to London, the performers can quickly and easily get into them – then re-packed for their return.
Collaboration with Liz Cooke
Sharon goes into more detail about how the unicorn costumes are made, including the flags, which they collaborated with Liz Cooke on.
Liz makes all the flags for Bestival, Isle of Wight Festival, Rhythmtree etc. You may remember our feature about her flags for Greenpeace, and for this project hand drew all the illustrations which were then printed.
30-years’ experience
Sharon pays tribute to the 30 years’ experience in fine art and sculpture of Artistic Director, Paul McLaren, that led to Shademakers being selected for the Pageant.
Paul’s knowledge of materials has ensured that every detail is considered when designing costumes and these are no exception.
Hear from the makers
Listen to Simon’s chat with Sharon George, the Creative Director of Shademakers, where you’ll learn more.
Hear from Scottish unicorns
Simon also chatted with some of the volunteers who’ll be wearing those magnificent unicorn costumes during the Pageant, as well as the fantastic Scottish dancers.
Listen to Simon chatting with Vicky, Jane and Candy who are just three of the performers playing Scottish Unicorns.
Hear from Scottish dancers
Hear Simon talking to dancers Sam, Callum and Cara, along with choreographer, Miss Ann.
See the movement
These short clips give you an idea of just how wonderful the unicorns will look trotting up The Mall on Sunday 5th June.
The first two images shows those wearing the costumes for the first time, getting used to the feel of them. The final video shows them getting into position for the start of the rehearsals.
Click on the full screen icon to see in full glory.
Photos from the rehearsal
These few photos captured on the night of the rehearsal. Click into the photo to see larger version and use the arrow to navigate through the gallert.
Find out more about the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant by visiting the official Website.
