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London Parade 2026

Wimbledon College of Arts students demonstrate their creativity and craftsmanship at one of the capital’s most high-profile annual events.

Alt text: A colorful dragon kite with a fierce expression soars against a gray sky. Its sharp features and flowing ribbons create a dynamic, lively scene.
2026 London Parade │ Photo credit: Maud Ross

Wimbledon College of Arts worked with Destination Events, who host the London Parade. Students responded to a brief entitled 'Iconic London' and pitched their ideas to the Destination Events team.

Being part of such a large-scale public event allowed the students to present their work beyond the studio, engaging directly with diverse audiences in a real-world context. Showcasing striking lion and dragon puppets, the students brought colour, movement and theatrical flair to the streets of central London.

Second-year undergraduate students from the following courses collaborated and constructed the puppets:

  • BA (Hons) Costume for Theatre and Screen
  • BA (Hons) Technical Arts for Theatre and Screen
  • BA (Hons) Theatre and Performance Design

Participation in the London Parade reflects Wimbledon College of Arts’ commitment to hands-on learning and public engagement.

This project helped students understand what it's like to meet the demands of a professional brief and test their ideas and skills in a professional context. The opportunity for students to work with industry partners, outside of the college walls, provides such a valuable experience.

— Geraldine O'Reilly, Year 2 Leader, BA (Hons) Technical Arts for Theatre and Screen

Student work

  • People carry a colorful dragon puppet adorned with flags and ribbons in a park, set against a backdrop of trees and brick buildings.
    2026 London Parade │ Photo credit: Orlando Callegaro
  • Two people stand on a grassy field, dressed in tall, colorful dragon costumes with large black capes. Both smile, creating a festive, joyful mood.
    2026 London Parade │ Photo credit: Orlando Callegaro