Liverpool's China Dream festival to end in blaze of fireworks and fun

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, October 26, 2018
Adjust font size:

LONDON, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- Specially commissioned artworks are to light up Liverpool's iconic waterfront as a finale of the city's year-long China Dream festival.

The installations will represent the five elements which underpin Chinese philosophy: metal, wood, water, fire and earth, with a spectacular firework display on Nov. 4 covering the fire element.

The four artworks will be in place each evening from Nov. 2 ahead of the evening firework finale on Nov. 4.

The Wave, representing water, will see 40 triangular interactive gates along a 100 meter stretch of the waterfront. Designed by Copenhagen-based artists Vertigo, the gates will respond to people's movement creating a unique light and sound reaction.

The European premiere of the artwork Anahad, representing the wood element, was first showcased at this year's legendary Burning Man festival. Located in Mann Island basin, 6 meter tall copper pipes will create the effect of a giant oak tree, transforming the area into a mysterious woodland. It has been created by Italian photographer and videographer Stefano Casati.

Pool of Mirrors, representing the metal element, takes inspiration from Chinese 'magic mirrors' which were cast in solid bronze and shrouded in mystery, Liverpool based arts collective The Kazimier will bring the ancient artefacts up to date with cutting edge materials, creating a metallic mirage of light on the waterfront canal.

Fulfilling the earth section, Liverpool's most famous building, the Royal Liver Building, will become a canvas for light projections which will explore the traditional view of earth from space.

As well as the Chinese elements being represented, on Nov. 4 there will be a wide variety of streets performances on the waterfront including fire artists and performers, with a fire-breathing dragon patrolling the waters of the World Heritage Site, the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, courtesy of artistic company Walk the Plank.

The artworks are the finale of this year's China Dream season which has seen a ten month celebration of Chinese culture as part of the program of events marking ten years since Liverpool was crowned the European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Liverpool's culture spokeswoman, Deputy Mayor Wendy Simon, said: "We're delighted to be able to pay homage to China Dream and each of the newly commissioned artworks will look fantastic on our World Heritage Waterfront and add an unmissable creative edge to the event. We hope families come along to the waterfront once again to enjoy the five Chinese elements in all their glory."

The firework display, taking place in the River Mersey, also marks the traditional Bonfire Night celebrations, held to remember the failed plot in 1605 by Guy Fawkes and co-plotters to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

China Dream, in partnership with University of Liverpool, has been a season of exhibitions, performances and events aimed at shining a light on modern Chinese culture, and also exploring the relationship between China and Britain. Enditem

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
ChinaNews App Download
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter