A vintage trailer discovered by Veolia that was once used to carry merry-go-round horses for a Russian circus is forming the base of the float, while the decorations will feature birds and poppies crafted by participants and volunteers in the Lambeth area.
The float is representative of the diverse communities that Spare Tyre works with. Spare Tyre’s person-centred drama, movement and music workshops enable participants with learning disabilities to express themselves as creative beings.
Ms Arti Prashar, Artistic Director and CEO of Spare Tyre, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsored by Veolia Environmental Services at one of the world's best loved pageants. Using performance to enable adults with learning disabilities to express themselves as creative beings is at the heart of Spare Tyre's mission. The Spare Tyre float will be a bold representation of London's diverse society, providing a platform for the voiceless communities that it works with.”
Robert Seear, Veolia’s Regional Manager for South London, said: “We are extremely proud to be a part of this prestigious event and in doing so provide our support to Spare Tyre, who do wonderful work within the Lambeth community. Thanks to Magdalen’s design work and the efforts of everybody who has helped out the float will be looking spectacular and should really stand out in the Parade.”
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Spare Tyre
Spare Tyre is one of the UK’s leading participatory arts companies. Spare Tyre have over 35 years experience of creating theatre with voiceless communities, including adults with learning disabilities.
Over the past year, Spare Tyre has delivered creative outreach projects across 6 London boroughs and has worked with over 500 people with disabilities.
The Spare Tyre Band, a group of musicians with learning disabilities who play instruments made from recycled materials, have played to an audience of over 1500 people over the past year.
Spare Tyre has trained, mentored and progressed over 20 emerging artists and arts administrators as part of it's Spare Parts programme during 2012-13. This includes 2 young Lambeth-based residents from low-income households who undertook a paid-internship with the company. www.sparetyre.org
Magdalen Rubalcava is an award-winning designer based in Lambeth. Magdalen has over 20 years of set and costume design for a number of films, the National Theatre and the West End. She has previously been awarded an Arts Council bursary and an Emmy for her design work.