The Calne Music & Arts Festival stall at the Calne Carnival had a fantastic day on Saturday, 29th June, selling nearly 200 papier-mâché pigs. This marked the exciting launch of the 'Pig Parade' summer community art project.
Genevieve Sioka, Art Director of the Calne Music & Arts Festival, shared her enthusiasm: “It’s been an incredible response to the Pig Parade summer community art project. Seeing the crowds picking up the paper pig template, which is also downloadable from the CMAF website, and buying the papier-mâché pigs to decorate at home, it’s been an amazing opportunity to celebrate the Calne Music & Arts Festival’s 50th anniversary and recognize the 40 years since the Harris Factory came down. Calne is known for pigs. They’re fun. Everyone can participate in this project.”
The project has seen great community involvement, with schools and local groups receiving free pigs to decorate. The food bank was also given 50 pigs to ensure everyone can join in. For those who prefer, a paper template is available on the CMAF website, allowing everyone to get creative. Genevieve suggests being creative with your pigs—why not try using recycled household materials?
Participants are encouraged to photograph their decorated pigs, whether papier-mâché or paper, and share them on social media using the hashtag #calnepigparade or email them to
Selected pigs will be displayed at the Heritage Centre in October, coinciding with the 50th Calne Music & Arts Festival. This exhibition will be a wonderful way for the community to come together and celebrate Calne’s unique heritage.
Pigs are now available for sale £15 from Heritage Centre and Bank House.
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