This summer something mythical is stirring.

We’re creating four straw beasts: spectacular wearable sculptures inspired by folk traditions and local legends. We need you to bring them to life.

Tendring Beasts

This summer we’re inviting people across Tendring to bring giant straw creatures to life.

Creative Tendring is part of the Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places programme, which puts creativity in the hands of local people and celebrates what makes each community unique. Across Tendring we’ll be working with residents to create projects that champion local voices, pride, and everyday life.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Festival of Britain. For the festival Essex’s own Fred Mizen, a straw craftsman, created two monumental straw sculptures for the famous Lion and Unicorn Pavilion. These artworks greeted visitors to a space exploring the character of Britain, the lion stood for realism and strength, the unicorn represented fantasy, independence, and imagination. Mizen’s original creations no longer survive, so we want to bring them back.

We don’t want to make replicas, instead we’re inviting you to reimagine them for Tendring today.

Partnering with the East Anglian Folklore Centre and local straw artists we’re using traditional techniques from corn dolly making, thatching, and straw plaiting to create a series of wearable straw mummers, spectacular costume sculptures inspired by the folk traditions of masked performers who once travelled from village to village bringing stories, mischief, and celebration.

As well as creating the lion and the unicorn we’re making a special new beast for Tendring. What could it be? A sea creature from the coast? A guardian of the fields? A folk legend brought to life? A symbol of community spirit? Come along to create characters that reflect our history, Tendring today, or your hopes for the future.

Important part:

You’ll also be able find out more about Creative Tendring and share your ideas of what you’d like to see happen in your area.

Making the beasts:

Tendring Show 11 July willow demonstration

St Osyth Summer Sounds 18 and 19 July

Dovercourt community centre or CVST hub Harwich TBD

Kennedy Way centre

Sunspot Jaywick TBD

Clacton Art Gallery TBD

See the beasts and share your stories:

Clacton Air Show 27 and 28 August