Chinewrde Carnival Collective Profiles: Abigail

With my brother on the Zombie Carnival Queens Lorry, 2010

As a child, I used to go along with my family to watch Southam Carnival, and in fact, I was in Southam Carnival a few times too (with the Brownies).

Having studied art and design, theatrical media, make-up and costume I am naturally interested in the theatrics of the Carnival, and have used my talents to support my brother by creating his costume and doing his make-up in 2008 (‘The Travelling Carnivale, Circa 1932). In that year, I also helped with other people’s make-up and took documentation photographs while watching the procession.

In 2010, I was asked if I would like to be an extra Zombie Queen as they were short on numbers. I said yes and joined the Chinewrde Carnival Collective. So, in that year, not only did I create my costume, my brother’s costume, help with make-up and the lorry but I was also able to be in the Carnival itself – it was a lot of fun!

Last year, we were the Chinewrde marching Band, and I played my flute as Tina the young flute player of the band! I enjoy being in the Carnival, but I really enjoy finding the costumes, making or modifying costumes, and bringing all of the ideas together.

So looking forward to Saturday 7^th July!