Tips For Parade Mummers

We need YOU in your most creative mummers gear! This is a participant-driven event. The Mummers Parade is open to interpretation so your presence will add colour and shape the outcome. You make it what you want it to be. And anyone can join in! There are many ways for you to find your inner mummer. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

1. Bring together a group of people you know and plan to join in the parade. This could include a group of friends, coworkers, family, community groups, etc. All groups of enthusiastic mummers are welcome.

2. If pre-planning is not your style, come to our Rig Up before the parade starts and piece together a disguise on the spot. If you have a disguise already, you can still add a few finishing touches at the Rig Up. The atmosphere alone should entice you to come well before the parade starts.

3. Bring your noisemakers! Music and sounds go great with parades. Make an ugly stick. Play a toy accordion or the real deal. How about a pot and a spoon? Or carry a boom-box with Simani’s “The Mummers Song” on a loop? Attend our Ugly Stick Workshop to make your own and join our Pot 'n' Pan Kitchen Jam to be a part of the noisemaker band.

4. If you know any mummers out there, get them to teach you the ropes. Experienced mummer can give you good tips on how to dress, move, speak, and dance. Ask them the question, “So how do you mummer anyways?” They might teach you a thing or two. And while you’re at it, invite them to come along.

5. Throw your own disguise-making event and invite your friends. Read the section on Mummering, Janneying & Guising to get a sense of what some mummers choose to wear. Visit our Mummers Festival Facebook group for some visual inspiration.

6. Attend our hobby horse making workshops and gallop your way through the parade. Be a part of the oddest horse cavalry!

7. Swirl and twirl as a multi-coloured Ribbon Fool! Make your own Ribbon Rig at one of our workshops.

8. Make your own wren stick. Fly it high!

9. Want to build a float? Go for it! But it cannot be motorized. This is a walking parade only. And build it sturdy (floats will need to be inspected by a parade marshal at least a half hour before the parade start.