FIRE will fill Southampton’s new Guildhall Square at a special free event to mark its official launch tonight and tomorrow.
The square, which has just been completely overhauled as part of a £4.6m renovation project placing it at the heart of the city’s emerging cultural quarter, will be transformed into a fantastic fire garden.
As the sun goes down, French fire alchemists Compagnie Carabosse will turn the square from stone grey to flickering orange as they bring the area to life with their bright and dramatic flaming creations.
The group, who have created their unique fire installations across Europe, will transformthe pedestrianised area with dancing fire sculptures and cascades of candles during the spectacular launch over the next two days.
Thousands of residents and visitors are expected to attend the spectacular free Alive and Ablaze event, which will also see other performances, events and activities taking place between 6.45pm and 9.45pm each day.
The launch celebrations have been organised by The Nuffield Theatre, Southampton City Council and ZEPA (European Zone of Artistic Projects) as part of the Art at the Heart series of creative projects marking the cultural quarter.
Councillor John Hannides, Cabinet member for leisure, culture and heritage, said: “I am extremely proud that Southampton’s Guildhall Square is now complete and residents and visitors can start enjoying this amazing new space.
“Compagnie Carabosse is exactly the type and quality of events we want to continue hosting at the venue.
“Guildhall Square is firmly establishing itself as the heart of Southampton’s emerging cultural quarter.”
As well as the fire garden there will be a variety of performances, events and activities taking place in and around the Guildhall Square.
The event is completely free and suitable for all ages. Last June, hundreds of people turned up to see a colourful troupe of drummers perform in Guildhall Square before the renovation work began.
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