A carnival crew is searching for Oldham's brightest talent to take part in one of the biggest street celebrations this century.
Global Grooves is looking for two exceptional dancers and a number of accomplished drummers from Oldham to join a 200-strong cast.
The artists will receive tuition from world class experts, before performing in front of a global audience for The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant.
The group, based at carnival arts centre The Vale in Mossley, is also looking for trainee puppeteers and volunteer carnival crew and makers to get involved in the run up to the celebration, which takes place in the capital on Sunday 5 June 2022.
The only northern group selected to feature at the celebration, Global Grooves will present a colourful carnival influenced spectacle called A Sharing of Gifts.
Their joyful parade will feature 100 drummers, 50 costumed dancers, a championship brass band, a sea of flag bearers and four giant walkabout puppets. Described as 'Brazilian carnival meets Whit Walk', it will be headed up by a carnival queen on horseback.
Dancers must be 16+ years and have some dance or movement experience, though this doesn't have to be formal training. Drummers, aged 14-25, need to be experienced percussionists in any style.
Global Grooves is particularly keen to find performers who want to bring their own heritage to the event, whether their musical and dance influences come from Africa, south Asia, the Caribbean or Greater Manchester.
Travel to and from rehearsals at The Vale carnival arts centre in Mossley, Tameside, and the final performance in London will be arranged and all costs covered, thanks to support from GM Arts. Full costume will be provided for all performers.
Leon Patel, CEO at Global Grooves, said: "Our parade piece celebrates the deep cultural exchanges that take place when people travel and meet others who have vastly different experiences, ideas and ways of living and being.
“It also focuses on our talented, diverse communities in Greater Manchester, showing that when we are open to new friendships and cultural collaborations anything is possible.
"We are not looking for performers with reams of qualifications or years of formal training - it's enthusiasm and ideas that will make you stand out. If you live and breathe carnival, then this is the opportunity for you."
Kirsty Connell, network coordinator of Greater Manchester Arts, said: "The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase to the world some of the talent we have here in Greater Manchester.
"We're really pleased to be able to support Global Grooves in ensuring that all of Greater Manchester is represented."
Applications are via the Global Grooves website and must be received by 24 March 2022 at https://www.globalgrooves.org/get-involved/creating-carnival-a-sharing-of-gifts
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