Unlock Your Creative Potential and Join Us for an Extraordinary Masterclass in Giant Puppetry!

Have you ever wanted to bring larger-than-life characters to the streets? Here’s your chance! This unique, hands-on masterclass, running alongside preparations for Happy Valley Pride Parade, West Yorkshire’s LGBTQIA+ Pride Charity & Queer Arts Festival taking place in Hebden Bridge. The masterclass offers a rare opportunity to dive into the world of giant puppet-making with expert guidance from Andrew Kim of Thingumajig Theatre (@thingumatheatre).

Over the course of this 10-day workshop, you’ll gain the skills and techniques needed to design and create stunning, processional giant puppets. Whether you’re an artist or a puppet maker, you’ll work alongside fellow creatives to build two different types of giant puppets—covering everything from design and mechanics to sculpture, papier-mâché, Worbla (thermoplastic), foam, painting, costume making, and performance.

This is NOT a lantern-making workshop—these are daytime puppets, made to dazzle and captivate in the light of day.

• Hands-On Learning: Craft giant puppets from scratch, learning everything you need to know to create large-scale outdoor art pieces.
• Expert Instruction: Receive guidance from Andrew Kim, a leading figure in outdoor performance and puppetry.
• Collaborative Experience: Work alongside a community of like-minded artists in a creative environment.
• Exclusive Access: Visit the Handmade Productions workshop, meet other puppet makers, and see artworks and community parade preparations up close.

Classes run from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM with an hour-long lunch break (except on event day). And on Saturday , July 25, the giant puppets you’ve crafted will make their grand debut at the inaugural Happy Valley Pride Parade—a thrilling opportunity to showcase your work!

• Participants should have some experience as a maker for theatre, outdoor arts or carnival. All participants must be able to commit to the entire workshop period.
• Accommodation: While accommodation is not provided, we can recommend great places to stay, including the IOU hostel and several homestays in Hebden Bridge. The workshop is a 20 minute walk from the Hebden Bridge train station which is on the line between Leeds, Bradford and Manchester and less than 10 minute walk from the charming town centre.
• Scholarships: We are offering two ½ price places for artists who identify as LGBTQI+, as we’re committed to increasing diversity in outdoor arts; please signify in your application if you would like to be considered for this.
• Booking & Payment: To secure your spot, we need a minimum of 8 participants. Once confirmed, full payment is required within a month.

This is your chance to immerse yourself in the magic of outdoor puppetry and join a passionate community of artists. For more information and to book your place, please fill in the form here or at the bottom of this page.