Community parade to inspire future generations

Available for over a year

Rosie Eaton meets the people behind the Canley Parade and Big Lunch, a much loved community celebration completely free for everyone who comes along. Volunteer organiser Dotti Sallis runs creative workshops where local residents make banners and signs for the parade. Dotti’s parrot, Indy, is very much part of the festivities too — joining the parade and dancing along with the samba band. Nor Aziz has been cooking for the Big Lunch for more than five years. Nor prepares delicious homemade dishes for around 500 people, all freely given as a gesture of community and kindness. Dotti describes the day as a “mini festival” full of music, food, colour and friendship.