Lily is the lead producer on outdoor events, co-ordinates Shademakers performers & volunteers and is one of Shademakers Movement Directors, focusing on dance.

Lily has been involved with carnival for as long a she can remember, it is a huge part of her life! Lily did her A-Levels in dance and event management, which she got A* across the board. After A-Levels she started her own dance business, Lily’s Dance which became a Prince’s Trust supported business and was a finalist in the 2016 Venus Awards. Lily started working with Shademakers in 2016 and has since extended her knowledge on event managing and performance, and now taking lead on projects.

Lily is also an Ambassador for the ‘I Am Possible Foundation’ which is a limb difference organisation which aims to spread awareness, give support and to inspire people with limb difference. This is very close to Lily’s heart as she was born with a limb difference.

Favourite Biscuit?

Choccie Bourbon or Custard Cream (I can’t choose)

Who makes the best cuppa?

ME!

Funniest Shademakers memory?

There is actually so many, but one that stands out to me is when we were coming back from working in Oxford at The Story Museum and waiting for the ferry, we were all sat doing silly filters telling us what Disney characters we were, how old we looked and stuff like that… it was a ‘you had to be there moment’, but everyones reactions were hilarious, I think we were all very tired! Oh and one that wasn't funny at the time but is now, Ryde Illuminated Carnival 2018… what a funny nightmare! It started with our lovely driver not turning up to pull the float/sound system (luckily someone else had 4X4 and we quickly got hitched up), but then we couldn’t get the lights or sound to work properly, Martin and I were trying everything, we had already set off, our performers were troupers and all just followed the lead of the people that could hear the music but Martin and I were running around the float frantically trying to make it work, Martin in a panda costume but without the head on (so funny), and I managed to let the float run over my foot (it was fine). I just think the madness off it all is so funny, classic Shademakers. And in case you was wondering… hurrah! We did get it all working and we put on the Greatest Show!

Most favourite job and why?

I think it has to be Rhythmtree Festival for me, I love everything from the build, the actual festival and to the take down. It’s such a wonderful team that works on it and always filled with fun and laughter!

Favourite Shademakers theme?

2018 - Greatest Show. The energy was electric, something so special about it!