George and the Dragon Carnival costume. Made by Jane Hawley, Rose Holt, and Sarah Parsons, 2001, WA508617

British street performance, ongoing, following the tradition of European parades and Caribbean carnival. Performers wear elaborate costumes, here move with soca rhythm. George and the Dragon was commissioned for performing in the children's parade, which opens the Brighton May festival.

The display:
Performance gallery presents the George and the Dragon carnival costume in front of a backdrop of the Parade. George is moving through the Royal Pavilion estate.

Find out more

- Consider the performance: as Spectator, as Performer, as Maker
- 'George and the Dragon' in Brighton Museum's collection
- Find out more about George and the Dragon

Carnival - SPECTATOR

	George in the Children's Parade © John Varra 2001

For children, their street parade marks the beginning of the Brighton Festival. In May 2001 this English parade introduced the magic of Caribbean Carnival.

Lining the route, you are drawn to the vibrant costumes of the children. Each is vying for attention and space.

The steel band repeats insistently catchy beats; dancers draw you in from the fringes.

Carnival - PERFORMER

	George in the Children's Parade © John Varra 2001

What is important is how you tell your story, through movement, through your spectacular costume. Performers spare no expense to prepare for Carnival.

"In most countries people pay to see others perform; in the Caribbean they pay to perform" Peter Minshall (Carnival designer).

"You're very aware of yourself. There is a particular way of moving which is associated with calypso and soca, the music of carnival. It's organic and it comes from what people do. When I was a kid I saw my mum and my aunts and I would copy them" Rose Holt (performer).

Carnival - MAKER

	George in the Children's Parade © John Varra 2001

Why George and the Dragon?
"I've always been fascinated by the Pavilion and Prince George. I had the idea that because he never finished paying for it, it was always a demon-devil on his shoulder, sucking out of him" Rose Holt (artist).

It is satire in the best tradition of Carnival.

Caribbean Carnival has its roots in slavery. Shrove Tuesday was the only day in the year when slaves were allowed to perform. They often used it to satirise their "masters".