Watford’s newly revamped Parade will be transformed into a children’s fairytale book next weekend as it plays host to Once Upon a Time in Watford, a promenade dance and music performance involving 80 local community performers from different schools and dance groups, aged from five to 80.

“Each group has picked a fairytale and has done their own version of it,“ explains one of the three choreographers and artistic director Michael Joseph, from Hitchin. “Some of it might be abstract, some more literal, each group decided what they wanted to do with it.“

Part of the new programme of events designed to celebrate the new Parade and pond area of the town centre, Watford’s BIG Events, as well as being part of Big Dance 2014, Once Upon a Time in Watford has been produced jointly by Watford Palace Theatre, dancedigital, Watford Borough Council and Watford Cultural Leaders Group. One of the other choreographers is Laura Horn, Watford’s arts development officer.

Performing groups include Funky Feet, Central Primary School, New Connections, Colnbrook School, and members of the Hertfordshire youth dance company InPulse.

A group of composers from Years 10 and 11 at the Purcell School in Bushey have composed the music for the event, while Pumpkin Crafts have produced the props, and there has been further local community involvement from DRUM (Disability Recreation Unity Movement).

  • Big Dance: Once Upon a Time in Watford will be performed at the Parade, High Street, Watford on Saturday, July 12 at 1pm and 3pm. Details: 01277 362362, dancedigital.org.uk