The students at Portobello High School have been working with visiting artist and puppet maker, Gretchen Maynard-Hahn, to create a collection of large-scale parade puppets inspired by Portobello’s rich seaside and showground heritage.

Across a series of hands-on workshops, students explored character design, simple mechanisms, and sculptural making techniques using lightweight materials such as cane, tissue paper and recycled cardboard. Drawing inspiration from the history of seaside entertainment including variety theatre, circus acts and promenade culture, the group developed a playful “surreal seaside circus” where marine creatures and carnival performers merge into imaginative new forms.

As well as building the puppets, students have begun shaping a short performance structure for the parade, experimenting with movement, atmosphere and storytelling to bring their creations to life.

The project will culminate in a live parade performance on Portobello Promenade, celebrating creativity, collaboration and Portobello’s longstanding tradition of seaside spectacle.

Below are a few examples of learners work of posters advertising the event.