Stonehenge
From 10th – 12th July Fire Garden, created by French outdoor fire alchemists Compagnie Carabosse, will transform Stonehenge into a glowing fairy-tale environment where fire sculptures dance in the landscape, flaming fire pots animate the stones and cascades of candles line the pathways. Responding to the purpose, perception and heritage of the site, visitors will pass between concentric circles of flames and huge fire balls that mark calendar positions. Fire Garden will be a fitting celebration of one of Britain’s most celebrated landmarks in the Olympic year.
As part of the London 2012 Festival, Fire Garden is presented by Salisbury International Arts Festival, and will be a spectacular immersive site-specific installation of fire and sound that will light up Stonehenge for three consecutive nights, allowing visitors a unique, out-of-hours experience at the Stones. The Fire Garden will run in the evenings from Tuesday 10th July 2012 – Thursday 12th July 2012, from 9pm until midnight, with last admission at 11.30pm. Visitors are encouraged to spend 30 minutes or an hour one evening and enjoy this gloriously atmospheric feast for the senses. Tickets are just £3, bookable in advance only.
Ruth Mackenzie, London 2012 Festival Director, said: ‘Stonehenge is one the world’s most loved tourist attractions, and Carabosse are one of the world’s most celebrated outdoor theatre companies. Salisbury International Arts Festival are brilliantly bringing the two together for a London 2012 Festival event which will be a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience for those who see it live, and an amazing sight accessible to millions more online and in the media around the world.’
Stonehenge is part of the National Heritage Collection and is in the care of English Heritage. Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said: “Stonehenge has been a place of celebration for thousands of years so it is fitting that it plays a role in this major cultural celebration. Fire Garden promises to be a beautiful and unique artistic endeavour within an iconic world heritage site. English Heritage is delighted to help host one of the highlights of the Cultural Olympiad.”
Compagnie Carabosse stage striking installations across Europe and the world and each event is unique to its specific location. The installation that will become Fire Garden at Stonehenge is a true once in a lifetime opportunity to witness a remarkable moment in the historic Wiltshire landscape.
The London 2012 Festival is a spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration from 21 June until 9 September 2012 bringing together leading artists from across the world with the very best from the UK.
Installation runs 9pm – midnight on 10, 11 and 12 July 2012.
For tickets, visit: www.ticketsouth.co.uk/event.asp?show=STNHNG12
Priced at £3 with under 16s free. Conditions of entry apply. Ticket numbers are limited and must be booked in advance of the Fire Garden day.
