ABLAZE 2013

ABLAZE, Produced by Simon Chatterton and Corn Exchange Newbury

5th, 6th and 7th September 2013, Newbury Kennet and Avon Canal

To mark the 20th anniversary of the Newbury Corn Exchange, a team of artists and musicians created Ablaze, which lit up Newbury’s Kennet and Avon canal with magical fire sculptures and music.

There were long queues between the church and the swing bridge as families waited to catch a glimpse of this special night time experience.

People walking the route saw braziers flickering in the middle of the canal, a whole garden of tall plant-like fire sculptures, and Dream Vortex, a spinning metal cylinder with fire inside. There were also sculptures combining fire, metal and water.

There was live music along the route, including a kora playing singer, a saxophone player, and other atmospheric acts.

Ablaze was created by team of different artists and musicians. The braziers were made at 101, and existing sculptures by other artists were incorporated into the installations.

Ablaze

Artists:

  • Martin West: Floating Fire Braziers
  • Mark Anderson: Pyrophones and Dream Vortex
  • Dave Chadwick and Dave Young: Fire Garden

Musicians

  • Emily Burridge
  • Clive Bell
  • Jali Fili Cissoko
  • Spiro
  • Three Cane Whale

With thanks

Ablaze was funded by Arts Council England, New Greenham Trust, The Canal and River Trust