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Stage 1 - Walking
Join us for guided explorations across the British Library and Regent’s Canal.

• At the British Library, we will explore waterway collections, archives, maps, and stories from different cultures and communities.

• Along Regent’s Canal, we will explore local histories, canal heritage, communities, nature, and lived experience. 

Together, we walk and wonder along waterways, across time and place, connecting memories and possibilities.

Stage 2 - Imagining
Come together at British Library The Last Word community hub to co-create new canal stories.

• Reflecting on inspirations and materials gathered during the walks

• Co-defining themes and developing stories for the summer procession

• Brainstorming characters, scenes, and playful elements together

Together, we imagine and create contemporary canal tales shaped by collective creativity. 

Stage 3 - Making
Join us at British Library The Last Word Hub to bring canal tales into playful material forms together, guided by emerging creatives.

• Making masks, costumes, puppets, and procession props

• Exploring reclaimed materials and sustainable creative practices

• Developing visual, performative, and musical elements for the summer procession

Together, our stories take shape as colourful objects, characters, sounds, performances, and shared expressions moving along the waterways.

Stage 4 - Performing
Be part of our summer procession along Regent’s Canal.

• Wear masks and costumes, carry puppets and props, and move forward with music and performance

• Animating the canal as a shared space for connection and imagination

Together, new tales come alive along the old canals.