2023 Mummers Festival
November 25 to December 9
Mummers Parade
Saturday December 9
The Parade is going ahead today! Saturday December 9th
We understand that it may look pretty bad this morning, but the weather is clearing up pretty well for actual parade time.
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Remember, as a mummer you can dress however you like! Rain Boots, Coats, Layers, are all welcomed and encouraged to make sure you stay warm.
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So get your finest mummer rig ready for the 15th annual Mummers Parade!
2023 Mummers Parade
Saturday, December 9
Haul on Mudder's sized 42 bra and get your pillow-stuffed arse ready to join us!
All mummers 'llowed in!
2023 Mummers Parade
Saturday, December 9
1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
Bowring Park
Parade starts inside the west end
main gates on
Park Road
Parade Rules & Safety
1. Our INFORMATION DESK is located outside the park pool house.. If you have any questions, lost and found concerns, or other needs on Parade Day, please visit us.
2. St. John Ambulance will be at the Parade for any medical emergencies. They wear bright yellow coloured, clearly labeled jackets and work in a team. They will be walking at the end of the Parade and located outside the park pool house before and after the Parade.
3. Advertising, promotions, banners, and give-aways are not permitted.
4. This is a walking parade. Motorized vehicles are not allowed.
Watching the Parade is great. But being in it is better! Trust us! Find a disguise, find your friends and find your inner mummer! There’s no right or wrong way to dress up. However, concealing your identity well is the mark of an experienced mummer. The Parade takes about 40 minutes to walk with lots of celebrations before and after. Expect surprises!
Bad Weather plan 'B'
If the weather is really bad, Parade Day events will happen Sunday, December 10th
Same times. Same place.
Check our website at 9am on December 9th for updates on postponement.
Where?
Parade starts and ends in Bowring Park
at the West End Gates
Park Road
Parade route map
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Need some more inspiration and tips? Check out our photo gallery and ideas below!
Tips For Parade Mummers
We need YOU in your most creative mummers gear! This is a participant-driven event. The Mummers Parade is open to interpretation so your presence will add colour and shape the outcome. You make it what you want it to be. And anyone can join in! There are many ways for you to find your inner mummer. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
1. Bring together a group of people you know and plan to join in the parade. This could include a group of friends, coworkers, family, community groups, etc. All groups of enthusiastic mummers are welcome.
2. If pre-planning is not your style, come to our Rig Up before the parade starts and piece together a disguise on the spot. If you have a disguise already, you can still add a few finishing touches at the Rig Up. The atmosphere alone should entice you to come well before the parade starts.
3. Bring your noisemakers! Music and sounds go great with parades. Make an ugly stick. Play a toy accordion or the real deal. How about a pot and a spoon? Or carry a boom-box with Simani’s “The Mummers Song” on a loop? Attend our Ugly Stick Workshop to make your own and join our Mummers Jam Session to be a part of the noisemaker band.
4. If you know any mummers out there, get them to teach you the ropes. Experienced mummer can give you good tips on how to dress, move, speak, and dance. Ask them the question, “So how do you mummer anyways?” They might teach you a thing or two. And while you’re at it, invite them to come along.
5. Throw your own disguise-making event and invite your friends. Read the section on Mummering, Janneying & Guising to get a sense of what some mummers choose to wear. Visit our Mummers Festival Facebook group for some visual inspiration.
6. Attend our hobby horse making workshops and gallop your way through the parade. Be a part of the oddest horse cavalry!
7. Swirl and twirl as a multi-coloured Ribbon Fool! Make your own Ribbon Rig at one of our workshops.
8. Make your own wren stick. Fly it high!
9. Want to build a float? Go for it! But it cannot be motorized. This is a walking parade only. And build it sturdy (floats will need to be inspected by a parade marshal at least a half hour before the parade start.