In times like this, the monsters come, to guide us through the change.
They come from all around the world whenever things get strange.
With fright’ning heads and clanging bells and furs and branches too,
they say goodbye to things gone past, and beckon in the new.
And this November, if you dare (no need to be afraid)
please join the friendly monsters on their winter-time parade!
Across the world, we humans have created masquerade traditions that are both beautiful and startling. Whenever there’s the need for communities to process and incorporate a significant change, we turn ourselves into monsters, animals and spirits.
On Sunday 3 November 2019 an extraordinary masquerade parade of 300 people marched through the streets of Deptford, witnessed by hundreds of local people watching agog. It was a whirlwind of masks, fur, dancers, drums, pompoms, lions, sequins, leather and bells.
Extravaganzas from local groups included IRIE! Dance Theatre and Goldsmiths’ Confucius Institute, as well as notable appearances from Artmongers x Heart n Soul, Deptford’s VietSchool, Bear Cubs and Les Zoings.
This was the closing event for Deptford X 2019, and was funded by an Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant.
Inspirations
- Pernik Surva Festival, Bulgaria (video)
- Brussels’ Carnaval Sauvage (pix)
- Wilder Mann and Cimarron by photographer Charles Fréger
JOIN THE PARADE
- FREE. Sunday 3 November 2019
- Start: 12noon in Fordham Park . End: Deptford Market Yard
Come dressed in a mask and costume, and make some noise! Celebrate your own cultural heritage, or make something new and bold. Everybody is welcome. Register at deptfordx.org/parade
COSTUME MAKING WORKSHOPS
- FREE. 11am-3pm
- Saturday 5 and 12 Oct 2019: Deptford X, 9 Brookmill Rd
- Sun 27 Oct & Sat 2 Nov 2019: Deptford Lounge
Join our free drop-in sessions to design and make your masked costume inspired by European, Asian, African and Caribbean traditions. All ages welcome, and our staff will help you think up an amazing costume. Materials are included.
HORNIMAN EXPLORERS: CARNIVAL
- Sat 19 Oct / Sat 2 Nov 2019. 11am-12.30pm
- Horniman Museum, Forest Hill
FREE. Get inspiration at the Horniman’s family-friendly workshops exploring the Horniman Museum’s hands-on collection of masks and costumes from around the world. Suitable for all ages. Workshop info
PHOENIX FRY 
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