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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.

A special thank you to Maud Ross, Molly Cuthbertson, Iris Boddye Kincaid, Apolline Roberts, Naz Tan, Joshua Todd, Bibi Delafield, Ace Williams, Rebecca Ilie, Jessica Paley and Mia Rigg who performed with the puppets on the day.

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