A group of Stoke-on-Trent teenagers have been meeting regularly to prepare Odyssey-themed costumes and props for the Longton Carnival and Pig Walk Parade.

Teen Squad is an initative created by Urban Wilderness CIC, the team organising the Longton Carnival and Pig Walk Parade, to offer local teenagers a space to socialise and get involved in the creative arts.

The participating teenagers have been attending sessions at the Moony Club at the Longton Exchange to create Odyssey-themed costumes and props which will be displayed as part of the annual parade – which for 2026 is taking inspiration from the National Year of Reading.

One of the teenagers, Tamzin, said: "It's all very fun with all of the different things that we get to do. 

"I like the costumes a lot and I like making things."

The group have designed and created all of the costumes and props for their Odyssey display, which many of the participants will wear themselves during the parade, including a Trojan Horse and the six-headed Scylla the dragon.

Throughout the process they have been supported by Urban Wilderness and have had the opportunity to work with professional artists. 

Another participating teenager, Ruby, said: "What we've made has impressed me a lot.

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"It's a lot better than I imagined it was going to be - the costumes are really good."

The Teen Squad selected The Odyssey as their theme themselves (image via Nub News)

The Teen Squad was first launched in the run up The Winter Gathering 2024, also organised by Urban Wilderness.

Since then, the group has been kept together through monthly teen club film screenings and additional creative sessions in the approach to large events like the pig walk.

Co-director of Urban Wilderness, Isla Telford, said: "It's been absolutely gorgeous to see them come together, make new friends and to see all of their ideas come to life."

Isla stressed the importance of creating spaces for young people to socialise and make friends outside of the school environment.

She said: "I think that there's a lack of provision - and creative provision in particular – for young people.

"I think if you're not into team sports, there's a real gap for socialising and that third space is really important. Somewhere that is not at home and not at school."

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Several of the teenagers also commented on the social aspect of the Teen Squad.

Liv said: "My favourite thing is getting to know new people. I've met a lot of new people and I've made a lot of new friends."

Georgia added: "I like having a place to go that I can be with my friends that is not just college."

All of the costumes and props created by the Teen Squad will be displayed during the Longton Carnival and Pig Walk Parade on Sunday 26 April.

Find out more about the Carnival and Pig Walk Parade here.