The Stamford Bull run was an ancient ritualised festival of sacrifice. It involved the local community who would share in the distribution of slaughtered bulls meat. The brutality of the event led to its abolition in the 19th century. The significance of the bull as a symbol of agrarian development and its relation to Carnival as a ritual rite of passage is indicated in the original meaning of `Carne Levare´ and more accurately, the excesses of Mardi Gras before lenten observance.
It was our intention to re-examine the potential for the ancient Bull run in Stamford to become a modern interpretation of community and collective identity. To add a wider world perspective of common ancient rituals which lead to pride, confidence and sense of place.
The Stamford Georgian Festival is ideally placed to reflect the attitude of the period to ban the Bull run, and therefore becomes the portal for its re introduction in a modern and positive format.
Following the first Stamford Bull Run as part of the Stamford Georgian Festival 2013, we proposed, in collaboration with Stamford Town Council and South Kesteven County Council, a next phase of development to install the event and consolidate progress with an increased public audience and participation from local representatives.
We integrated the event in the Stamford Georgian Festival 2015. The nature of the work included two parts, Twilight hours parade and evening burning of the bull.
The community aspect of the Parade included work produced by local children and youth, coordinated by local artists. The project theme covered representations of Bulls in ceremonies and festival events around the World ie Northern Brazil, India, China, North America, Europe, Egypt, Rome and Spain.