A September procession from Mansbridge to Bitterne Park will celebrate the great migration of silver eels from the Itchen to the Sargasso Sea.
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All are invited to mark the time and celebrate the elusive European eel, which used to be found in abundance in the River Itchen and other local chalk streams, and is now critically endangered.
Organisers are encouraging the production of eel banners, eel costumes, fancy dress and other “eely-related paraphernalia”.
It’s the culmination of The Eel Run arts project by local playwright, printmaker and poet Deborah Gearing, which, as reported, has been highlighting the “iconic and threatened species” for around a year.
Said Deborah, pictured left, previously: “I met a river keeper and he told me about these marvellous creatures, which used to be so common in the Itchen years ago. When I investigated further, I was shocked to realise they are a red list species, and highly endangered.
“When I was asked to develop a project for Riverside Park, I knew straight away that I wanted to make work about the eel. I hope that lots of people will be part of my process.”
The procession will conclude with a cèilidh with Folk Active in Bitterne Park Social Club.
Book free tickets here to attend on Sunday, September 3.
Previously
Public art for Riverside Park to prompt biodiversity and social isolation conversation
