Eurovision 2023 – how you could join in the Blue and Yellow Submarine Parade

The Blue and Yellow Submarine Parade through Liverpool is definitely going to be one of the most spectacular large-scale events happening in the run up to Eurovision.

And, not only are huge crowds expected to turn out to see the underwater-themed disco partying its way through the streets on Friday May 5, but people can get involved in it too.

The parade, which will be a highlight of the pre-contest cultural celebrations, will feature a giant drumming octopus, jellyfish and a big disco puffer fish as well as the iconic submarine.

It’s one of two EuroFest commissions being produced by The Kazimier team and they’re looking for volunteers to join in to help create something really memorable in the build up to Eurovision.

More than 150 performers and makers will be able to work alongside their specialist designers and musicians.

Anyone can sign up and, although it would be a bonus, there’s no experience or particular skills needed because there’ll be workshops and rehearsals covering everything.

Laura Cotter, who is producer of the Blue and Yellow Submarine Parade, says they want to have as many opportunities as possible for people to feel included in the event.

She explains: “People can be part of the sea, so they can come to a couple of drop-in workshops and learn some basics – like some sea-like dance moves with our choreographer –  and then they join us on the day and parade with us.

“There are also some more specific groups for anyone wanting to learn more specific routines and we’ll be holding craft workshops with our costume designer where people can come and make their own sea costume. They can either use materials that we provide or if they prefer to bring some of their own clothes that they want to pimp or upcycle they can do that as well.”

With over-sized puppets being one of the most eye-catching elements of the parade, volunteers can also try their hand at that.

“There will be some puppetry workshops so people can come and work with a skilled puppeteer and learn how to use big puppets and make them dance and we’re planning to have a singing workshop so volunteers can learn a song which they’ll sing during the parade.

“The music for the parade is actually being soundtracked by our music director, and if people do play an instrument or want to add to that then we’re open to anything at the moment because we want this to feel as inclusive as possible. If they have an idea they want to contribute then they should definitely reach out and if we can make it fit then we will.”

Although full details of the parade, such as the route and the exact starting time, are still to be confirmed, Laura says it will be on the Friday late afternoon/early evening to tie in with the start of the weekend.

“There are a few different zones along the route of the parade such as the octopus garden, jellyfish junction, and crustacean station,” adds Laura. “All these different places have a little theme around them and we’re going to encourage the public to pick an area and then dress in line with that theme. The idea is that all the public who come and watch the parade will essentially be a part of it because they’ll be dressed in line with one of the big floats and one of the areas.”

All ages, shapes, ethnicities and social and religious backgrounds can sign up to take part. To find out more about volunteering for EuroFest 2023’s Blue and Yellow Submarine Parade for Eurovision, go to the website HERE.