LITTLE MYTH MAKERS

Reigniting children’s imagination through costume storytelling, hands-on workshops, and creative learning

About Little Myth Makers

Little Myth Makers is an ongoing creative programme designed to nurture imagination, storytelling, and creative expression in young people through both hands-on workshops and digital learning experiences. Rooted in cultural storytelling and contemporary design, the programme invites children to explore myths, characters, and ideas from around the world while developing their own creative voice. Through a combination of practical making, costume design, and interactive learning, Little Myth Makers supports young people in building confidence, creativity, and new ways of seeing the world. Each project within the programme explores a unique theme, offering children the opportunity to learn, create, and bring their ideas to life in meaningful and imaginative ways.

GUARDIANS OF LUTON
(LIC26 Collaboration with UKCCA)

Guardians of Luton is a creative schools project developed as part of the Little Myth Makers programme, bringing together primary schools across Luton to design and create sustainable costumes for Luton Carnival 2026, celebrating its 50th anniversary, hosted by the UK Centre of Carnival Arts (UKCCA).

Through a series of hands-on workshops, children are transforming recycled materials into vibrant, wearable artworks. Using salvaged denim from Levi's jeans diverted from landfill, alongside everyday waste materials such as plastics and bottle tops, students are exploring how creativity can play a powerful role in protecting the environment.

At the beginning of each workshop journey, children are introduced to a short animated learning experience designed to spark imagination and awareness. Through this interactive module, they explore environmental themes in a fun and accessible way, alongside learning about Papa Bois, a character from Caribbean folklore known as a protector of forests and nature. Inspired by this idea of guardianship, children are invited to imagine their own role in protecting the world around them.

Creative Themes

Each school takes on a unique role within the project:

Guardians of the Pitch
Children explore how to protect the environment within the context of sport and play, choosing to represent elements of air, earth, or water within their costume designs.
Guardians of Nature
Children focus on protecting animals and natural ecosystems, creating designs inspired by creatures, habitats, and the wider environment.

Schools Involved:

The project brings together pupils from the following Luton-based primary schools:

Stopsley Community Primary School

Whitefield Primary Academy

Southfield Primary School

Chantry Primary Academy

Ferrars Primary School

Delivery:

Workshops began in April 2026 and will continue through May, leading up to Luton Carnival.

Sessions are delivered in schools and at the UK Centre for Carnival Arts (UKCCA), providing children with access to specialist creative spaces and expertise. The programme combines:

hands-on making and design
storytelling and character development
environmental learning through creative practice
collaborative group work

The project culminates in the children wearing their creations as part of Luton Carnival’s 50th anniversary celebrations, bringing their ideas to life in a public and celebratory setting.

A clip from the animated learning experience introducing Papa Bois, the protector of forests and wildlife.

Sustainability in Practice

At S.H.A.C.E and the UK Centre for Carnival Arts (UKCCA), we share a deep commitment to sustainability, using creativity to transform discarded materials into meaningful, high-quality design.

Throughout the Guardians of Luton project, young people have worked with a range of reclaimed and recycled materials, including:

Recycled denim from Levi’s jeans salvaged from landfill

Tin can tops repurposed as decorative elements and decals

Sweet wrappers used to introduce colour and texture

Plastic bottle bases and bottle caps reimagined as design features

Reclaimed trims and fabric offcuts used for embellishment

Through this process, children are encouraged to see value and possibility in everyday materials, developing both creative skills and a deeper understanding of sustainability in practice.