Community gathers as new mascot unveiled in parade

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Catch up on the action from the parade on BBC Sounds

  • Published

A giant crow has been paraded through Henbury to celebrate what people love about the area.

The new local library mascot is made up of fabric feathers with residents' messages on and was sewn together by designer Kelly Jago, who created the chicken feet on The Masked Singer.

It was unveiled at a parade in Crow Lane on Sunday, having been made as part of a Bristol City Council scheme to encourage people to do creative activities in their area.

"[Residents] have been writing what they love about Crow Lane on colourful fabric feathers," said Claudia Collins, who wore the outfit.

Ms Collins helped run the event, and said: "I loved being part of the group, making the feathers together and then seeing it come to life.

"There's all different messages about what people love and that's embedded into the vibe and the fun day we've had."

A fashion designer stands in the middle of the two pieces of the mascot on mannequins. On one side is the crow's head, which is bright purple and read and fluffy. On the other side is a neck pece made up of black, pink and purple feathers with messages on. The designer has red hair, which is tied up, and is wearing a black, sparkly top. A pair of red glasses hang on a chain from her neck and she is smiling.
Image caption,

Designer Kelly Jago sewed the mascot together

Ms Jago, who has found international fame with her props and outfits, said: "It's been a really lovely collaborative process making this costume.

"As I've been adding all the feathers to it I've been reading the messages that people have written, which was nice to consider when putting the costume together."

A woman with long blonde hair, wearing purple sun glasses wearing a big purple  fabric crows head and a sparkly outfit made with pink and purple feathers.
Image caption,

Ms Collins wearing the new crow mascot for the first time

Dozens of families attended the parade, which ended with more craft activities and storytelling at the library.

The new mascot will now live at the library and will be brought out for special events going forward.

Artist Jasmine Shanice, external was on hand to document the day and her sketches will be framed alongside the mascot.

"I loved drawing the activities, the moments and the parade, all the fun and games," she said.

"It's been a lovely community event that's brought people together."

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