Performers light up the City Walls
Organisers of “Up The Wall”, a performance art event based on the City Walls, estimate that 3,500 people attended to see a range of performance artists and installations.
For Chester Performs, who are also responsible for the development of the new performing arts centre, were delighted with their first event, which marks the start of a range of unusual and exciting performances and “happenings” over the years leading up to the opening of the new performing arts centre.
Amber Jones, Project Co-ordinator, was delighted with the turn out: “I can’t imagine anywhere else where you could attract 3,500 people to a performance art event, or to a festival quite so unusual as this one. It only goes to show the pulling power of the city’s architectural heritage, including in this case the walls and the cathedral. The city looked truly beautiful. Whilst it was certainly a family friendly event, promenaders were treated to some quite unusual and challenging performances. As the audiences’ reaction was extremely enthusiastic, it gives us real encouragement for staging more unusual and exciting activities. We were delighted with our first large scale “happening”. We will definitely hold this again, try to extend the route and maybe invite some European cities to take part as well.”
Images:
1 / 6 Will Pollard performing “Blue Evening” by the cathedral green
2 Local artist Lindsay Evans – spiders webs in trees
3 / 5 Fire jugglers Gandini in action
4 A Handbag of Harmonies performing in Rufus Court
7. Willow lanterns made by local community groups and Russell Kirk on the Walls
8. Local artist Louisa Scarre’s photographic installation by the Bell Tower
9. Helter Skelter performing in Town Hall Square
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Background
Chester Performs is overseeing the development of the city’s new performing arts centre, which will open in 2011. Set to challenge audiences with a series of high profile performing arts events and community projects Chester Performs aims is to broaden horizons and raise the level of expectation In the performing arts both in Chester and Cheshire.
Following the closure of Chester Gateway Theatre, Chester Performs will be working with the region’s artists and communities and plans to stage work in non-traditional and outdoor spaces across the region. Cutting edge performances will take place on the streets of Chester, by the River Dee and around the Roman walls. These projects will involve street performers and aerial artists, musicians, dancers, actors, visual and sonic artists, installations and performance art.
Chester Performs Contact: Amber Jones Tel: 01244 409113
Press Contacts: Jane Harrad-Roberts Mob: 07785 395705 Phil Brotherhood Mob: 07884 493370 Tel: 01244 330000 MARKETING PROJECTS Email: info@marketingprojects.co.uk
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