Shademakers UK

Shademakers UK Shademakers design, construct and build large scale kinetic installations and present them world wide at numerous festivals.

The organisation was founded 1990 in Manchester and 1997 as registered charity in Germany. Under the artistic direction of the sculptor Paul Mc Laren, Shademakers is specialised on design, large scale installations, moving objects and carnival art. They parade and perform shows for stage and arena. The organisation offers artistic (mas) workshops and seminars, resulting in performance presentatio

ns, street festivals and Carnivals. Shademakers present and produce carnival art from concept to completion. They encourage working partnerships on a local, regional, national and international level as artists and presenters, promoting inter-cultural forms of public celebration with a world vision. They continually seek new associations and collaborations with groups and individuals, making the unimaginable possible. Behind the scenes are a small core of dedicated workers, artists and helpers. Many young people from different cultural backgrounds find a common place to be with Shademakers, and are comfortable with the work and achievement they share as a part of the whole production.

15/06/2026

🎪 Family fun awaits at Kidzone!

From magic shows and live performances to circus skills, crafts and wild play adventures, Kidzone is packed with activities for little festival-goers and their grown-ups.

✨ 160+ young local performers
🎨 Explore the Makers Shed with free crafts and creative activities.
🧸 A dedicated toddlers' area featuring the Biggest Bed and the Music & Make Tent.
🤹 Steamship Circus Mini Big Top, filled with circus equipment for children to try.
🌿 Lizzie's Way Wild Play – get stuck into the Mud Kitchen or let your imagination run free in this immersive outdoor play world.
🧠 Sensory Space for quieter moments to relax and recharge.

Whether you're making, playing, dancing or exploring, Kidzone is the perfect family festival hangout.

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

| Shademakers UK

We’re doing things a little differently this year and we are SO excited! This year, we’ll be telling a story through our...
18/05/2026

We’re doing things a little differently this year and we are SO excited!

This year, we’ll be telling a story through our local carnivals, with each carnival revealing a different part of the journey… so you won’t want to miss a single one!

And now we’re looking for people to join the danse!

You can:
✨ Be a dancer in costume
✨ Be a costume wearer
✨ No experience needed for either!

If you’d like to get involved, fill out this form and someone will be in touch soon: https://forms.gle/6drcyp8GMBrhoQsM8

Dance rehearsals at Department:
📍 Tuesdays: 6pm – 7pm
📍 Wednesdays: 7:30pm – 8:30pm
💷 £3 per session

Department has been nominated for Best Small Attraction at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards.We’re incredibly proud to...
12/05/2026

Department has been nominated for Best Small Attraction at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards.

We’re incredibly proud to be recognised alongside so many brilliant Island places, and so grateful to everyone who has supported us, visited events, taken workshops, grabbed a coffee, danced, created, performed and helped make Department what it is.

If you’ve enjoyed spending time with us, we’d absolutely love your vote.

Please vote and help spread the word 💛

Vote here:
redfunnel.co.uk/isle-of-wight-guide/isle-of-wight-awards/vote-best-small-attraction

Want to join Shademakers UK for Carnival this year? Ready to join the Danse? Come along to our Carnival launch on Tuesda...
28/04/2026

Want to join Shademakers UK for Carnival this year? Ready to join the Danse?

Come along to our Carnival launch on Tuesday 5th May at 6pm, held at Department.

We’ll be revealing this year’s theme and sharing all the details on how you can get involved.
Whether you want to dance or simply take part in costume, everyone is welcome. No experience needed!

We can’t wait to see some new (and familiar!) faces there ✨

15/12/2025

Last but certainly not least of our Venues for Merry & Bright Festival of Light is Department!

This new arts Centre run by the Shademakers UK team was a last minute addition to our programme when the weather meant we could no longer put any of our artists outside. So HUGE thanks to all the Department team for allowing us to use the Theatre with such little advance notice!

In addition to their own programming including the fabulous Miss Ann and a christmas Quiz, they also saved Huxley, Wild Woods Workshops & Events, Emelia and Vectis Brass from getting soaked!

If you got any pictures or videos of the Department at Merry & Bright, or anywhere else from the night we would love to see them!

Vectis Brass 📸by Tracy Curtis

21/08/2025

Address

The Department, Cross Street
Ryde
PO332LL

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