EXCITEMENT is building ahead of an illuminated puppet parade which will see an oceanic spectacle weave its way through Weymouth.

Peixos (meaning ‘fish’ in Catalan) is a family friendly event taking place on Friday, September 23 and Saturday, September 24 from 7.30pm-8.30pm which will take viewers on an eerie underwater adventure as giant sea creature puppets take over the streets.

The show was created by Barcelona-based theatre company, Sarruga and is being brought to the town by Activate Performing Arts following the success of last September’s ‘Sense of Unity’ illumination performance as part of Inside Out Dorset festival.

Kate Wood, Artistic and Executive Director for Activate Performing Arts said: “We introduced the town to a giant puppet called Dundu from Germany surrounded by a dynamic group of drummers called Worldbeaters last year, parading through the town.

“This year, we’re inspired by the seaside location and we’re bringing a show that celebrates the underwater world, the company are from Barcelona and bring their unique style of parade using bicycle power – expect a whirlwind of music, colour and enormous underwater creatures.”

“It is a real joy to be together and experience extraordinary artists perform shows that are unique. A company all the way from Barcelona can bring a show that celebrates the seaside of Weymouth in such a joyous way.

The overall show is a homage to underwater life and a celebration of people, sea life and place and the team are excited to return to Weymouth for another spellbinding performance this year.

Dorset Echo: Activate Inside Out Dorset presents Peixos by Sarruga, photo by Roy RileyActivate Inside Out Dorset presents Peixos by Sarruga, photo by Roy Riley

Ms Wood continued: “The people of Weymouth came out in their thousands last year and we had really positive feedback, there was a feeling that this unique experience makes the town feel special.

“We love what we do, and we are passionate about sharing this type of extraordinary event with the widest possible audience.

“Everyone’s invited - Last year, the event was part of our full Inside Out Dorset festival that takes place every two years.

“The idea of the festival is to focus on what makes our place extraordinary – which is why our theme is ‘extraordinary events in extraordinary places’ – each event responds to the site that we present it in.”

Activate are working in partnership with We are Weymouth and Weymouth Town Council to bring the performance back this year.

Dorset Echo: Activate Inside Out Dorset presents Peixos by Sarruga, photo by Roy RileyActivate Inside Out Dorset presents Peixos by Sarruga, photo by Roy Riley

Dawn Rondeau, We Are Weymouth’s Chief Operations Officer said: “The success of our 2021 Dusk Till Dark event in Weymouth was so resounding that we knew immediately that this should be an annual event. The draw of events such as this brings vast numbers of visitors to the town, benefitting our local businesses during an otherwise quieter time of year.”

The event is free and the route is yet to be confirmed.