Because on Sunday May 18th a special family Jazz parade with all the noise and colour of New Orleans – the home of Jazz in America - will wind its way through the streets of Newark, ending up at the Castle bandstand for a fantastic concert.

The Jazz gang, a team of professional musicians, is visiting The Magnus School on April 29th to teach young instrumentalists how to play jazz. They have also given out over 200 umbrellas to Newark schools for pupils to decorate in the colourful New Orleans style.

But if your class or school isn’t involved – don’t worry - because you can decorate your own umbrellas and bring them along for the big parade. Make sure your mum doesn’t want it first!

The rest of the family can do their own umbrellas too.

A fantastic Grand Marshall will be leading the parade along with a marching jazz band. The jazz parade tradition began when music was played on the hot streets of southern America. The Grand Marshall walked in front of the band to protect the musicians and their instruments from the excited crowds. If the street ahead was too congested the Marshall would quickly lead the band through a quieter back street route. He carried an umbrella to keep out of the sun and so the following band could spot where he was going.

Eventually, people who liked to follow the band and dance to the music, began to carry their own umbrellas which they decorated with feathers, ribbons, lace flowers, and all kinds of fancy trimmings. And over the years it became a New Orleans tradition.

Newark Jazz Festival Parade will leave from the Castle grounds at midday on Sunday 18th May and arrive back the Castle bandstand, where the Magnus School Band – with some exciting dancing and the Cavalier Dance Band - will be performing from 2pm.

Anyone wishing to join the parade with their own decorated umbrella and join in the fun is welcome, and that includes mums, dads and all your relatives.

Ian Phillips, partner at Duncan and Toplis, Chartered Accountants, who are one of the main sponsors of Newark Jazz Festival, says it is fantastic that the Jazz Festival is working with primary schools, children and families to get everyone involved. “We are proud to support initiatives that encourage the community to participate and be part of the Festival itself. I am sure the children will have a fabulous learning experience and a lot of fun as well – if only laughing at my umbrella!’

Speaking of the primary school jazz workshop, community arts co-ordinator at the Magnus School Leanne Phillips, added: “It is great that so many of the primary school pupils are coming in to Magnus and undertaking an exciting and creative project.”

Tickets are available online from www.newarkjazz.co.uk. They are also being sold at Stray’s Book and Coffee shop, Ann et Vin, The Music Shop, The Palace Theatre and Newark Tourist Office.