Disguised Procession Primrose Hill

Artists Disguised Procession

Primrose Hill is to be the location of a eccentric procession as artists, musicians and performers from across the UK parade their handmade costumes in a modern day celebration of the art of disguise.
The event which takes place on the 30th of October starts from the headquarters of the English Folk Dance and Song Society at Cecil Sharpe House before processing to the top of Primrose Hill. It is now in its 3rd year and has grown from a small handful of artists to over 40 artists and members of the public taking part last year.
Artist Matthew Cowan conceived the event following a year working at the venue where he was inspired by the wealth of diversity in the societies costume collection. He deliberately looked beyond a stereotypical Halloween event to start a modern day spectacle inspired by folk customs.

This years organisers Nathalie Levi and Megan Broadmeadow have invited artists who are renowned for creating weird and wonderful costumes; the type of which will not be found in your average fancy dress shop! Nathalie says ‘We are really excited to see the procession come together, the costumes are so varied and the event itself has an almost dreamlike effect as they climb the hill at dusk. Its such a rare chance to be surrounded by the city yet at the same time feel another sense as the characters feel almost ghostly,and seem to pull you back to another time and place.’
The procession is completed by performances taking place at the top of Primrose Hill at sundown, Megan explains ' Historically people believed that the overworld and underworld were at their closest at twighlight at the end of October and strange things happened as mischievous spirits mixed with the community, the performances will be modern day equivalent where the spirits are replaced by artists!’

The public are welcome to join in for free by creating and parading in their own homemade costumes based on the theme ‘Masks and Rituals’ and should meet at Cecil Sharpe House at 4pm to begin the 15 minute walk to the top of the hill.

After the free procession all are welcome to spend the evening enjoying the music festival which costs £15.50 if bought in advance but will be more on the day.