Blyth prepares to host fiery spectacle
Earth, Wind anf Fire Garden will transform the town as part of a month-long programme of creativity
Blyth’s Ridley Park will be transformed into a glowing installation of fire, light and performance this weekend as the latest element to the Blyth Celebrates programme heats up.
Earth, Wind & Fire Garden will run from 5pm to 9pm on Friday and Saturday (November 14 and 15) and will reimagine the park as a landscape of flickering flames, fiery sculptures and surreal, illuminated creatures, courtesy of outdoor performance company, Walk the Plank.
Big crowds are expected as the event kicks off on Friday evening with a community lantern parade featuring more than 100 handmade lanterns created by local schools and community groups. The parade will be led by two towering illuminated figures – The Sun & Sky Spirit and The Wind & Wave Sprite – designed by Blyth-based artist Alison Walton-Robson of Headway Arts.
“Earth, Wind & Fire Garden is a truly unique experience for Blyth, offering a spectacular free night of wonder for all ages,” said Cllr Wendy Pattison, Cabinet Member for Sport and Culture at Northumberland County Council. “It’s a chance to see our town transformed in a way that will stay with visitors long after the night is over.”
Inside the Fire Garden, visitors will find a series of installations blending the natural elements with art and engineering. Highlights include The Flaming Daisy Chain, a constantly burning kinetic sculpture, and In the Balance, a towering display featuring children’s drawings illuminated on fiery globes.
Music from the Northern Monkey Brass Band will accompany the glowing scene, alongside performances from roaming fire creatures including the storytelling Ghost Caribou and appearances from colourful flying dragons and the elusive midnight owl.
The weekend event continues a month-long programme of creative activity including hands-on community workshops in music, media, storytelling and craft - all aimed at giving residents of all ages the chance to make, perform and share their stories.
On Saturday, November 22 the town will come together again for the Christmas Tree Lights Switch-On at the Market Place. More than your average Christmas lights gathering, this will be an all-day event, (10am to 6.30pm) and includes live performances from Phoenix Panto, Linsay School of Dance and Ashington & District Male Voice Choir.
There will also be fairground rides, a giant snow globe and a crowd of food and market stalls to browse.
Blyth Celebrates is part of the £95 million Energising Blyth regeneration programme, delivered by Northumberland County Council and supported by the UK Government and North East Combined Authority.
For the full programme of events and updates, visit www.blythcelebrates.co.uk