Hanse 2026 Parade Costumes and Artwork Exhibition

Discover a unique cultural experience in the heart of Boston, Lincolnshire with this family friendly, free exhibition celebrating the town’s Hanseatic heritage. Hosted at the historic Shodfriars Hall, this special showcase brings together vibrant costumes, collaborative artwork, and community creativity inspired by the 2026 International Hanseatic Day parade.

Rhubarb Theatre – Hansekoggen Boat Costumes
On display are the striking Hansekoggen boat costumes, created by artist Kirsty Mead (Rhubarb Theatre) with additions from Ruth Pigott. These impressive pieces were designed and worn by Boston High School students during the Hanseatic Day parade.
Inspired by medieval trading vessels of the Hanseatic League, these sculptural costumes reflect Boston’s historic connections with European trading cities and bring local heritage to life in a bold, visual way.
These items can be found on the second floor in the Committee Room.

Hanseatic Collages with Aga Kowalska
Alongside the costumes, explore a colourful collection of collages led by illustrator Aga Kowalska. Participants created their own papers before designing artworks inspired by Boston’s medieval past.
These imaginative pieces played a key role in shaping the parade’s banners, puppets and costumes—offering a fascinating insight into the creative process behind this major cultural celebration.
These items can be found on the second floor in the Committee Room.

Silk-painted Hanse banners by Donna Fox
Artist Donna Fox brings colour, height and movement to our parades through her beautifully crafted silk designs. This display features a striking set of Hanse-inspired banners, created through participant workshops where attendees designed and painted the flags using traditional silk techniques.
These vibrant banners have featured in recent Hanse Festival parades, carried by dancers from Josie Clarke Academy and choreographed by Beth Williams, forming part of a wider collaborative outdoor arts celebration.
The flags can be found on the first floor in the Great Hall, hanging from the second floor balcony.

Skullcap Costume & Community Collaboration
Also featured is the Skullcap flower costume, designed by Ruth Pigott and inspired by participant collages. This striking piece was worn by a stilt walker during the parade.
Created in collaboration with Centrepoint Outreach, the accompanying flower staff showcases community crafting techniques inspired by traditional lantern making, highlighting the power of creative participation. The Skullcap flower was one of many folklore medicines used in medieval times.
These items can be found on the second floor in the Committee Room.

Visit Shodfriars Hall:
Shodfriars Hall is opening especially for this exhibition as part of the We Are Boston programme.
This iconic historic building, currently undergoing restoration, offers a rare chance to experience its remarkable 600‑year‑old timber frame and evolving cultural programme.

The hall is open on 4–5 July and every Saturday throughout July 2026, 10am–4pm, and is hosted by the Transported team. No need to book, simply drop in. Enter via the double doors on Sibsey Lane.

Alongside this exhibition, visitors can explore a range of artworks and installations celebrating Boston’s history, people and creativity as the building begins to reopen as part of the town’s Cultural Quarter.

Accessibility information:
We regret that this venue is not currently wheelchair accessible. Access involves several steps at the entrance, and all exhibition areas are located upstairs without step‑free access. The building is working towards improving accessibility, with aspirations to install a lift in the future.

Funding Acknowledgement:
The 2026 Hanseatic Parade and bespoke artwork creations were possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England's project grants, delivered by Transported and the Boston Hanse Group. The Hansekoggen boats were produced as part of SoundLincs' Future of the Past project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible thanks to National Lottery players.