Stifford Primary Sculpture Burn

This project was designed to clear the classrooms of clutter while celebrating the school's close connection to the River Thames and its rich history.

Teachers, trained by Strange Cargo, led lantern-making workshops with the children, while a large sculptural bonfire in the shape of a Thames Barge was being constructed.

The bonfire provided a symbolic way to say goodbye to the clutter, but more importantly, it allowed each child to let go of any bad memories by writing a personal note, which they then committed to the flames.

The evening’s celebrations began with a lantern parade, as the children eagerly awaited the lighting of the massive sculpture on the school field. A spectacular firework display preceded the lighting of the bonfire, which created a powerful inferno and marked a celebration of the future.