A huge inflatable scale-model of Stonehenge is to come to Alexandra Park this Friday, as part of the London 2012 Festival
The interactive work of art – titled ‘Sacrilege’ – is a life-sized inflatable replica of Stonehenge for people to bounce on, by Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller.
It has a diameter of around 35 meters and can hold 150 people at one time.
The visit to Oldham is seen as a great privilege given the few visits that it is able to make around the country.
A co-commission between Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art and the Mayor of London, the work is now travelling around the country as part of the nationwide London 2012 Festival, with support from Arts Council England.
Oldham is the only place in Greater Manchester where people will be able to enjoy the bouncy replica of the ancient monument.
It will be set up on August 24 from 11am until 6pm and is free to all ages.
Oldham Council’s Arts Development Team is hosting the spectacular one-day event.
Artist Jeremy Deller said: “A lot of my work deals with history, and Sacrilege is no exception, this is a way to get reacquainted with ancient Britain with your shoes off.”
Ruth Mackenzie, Director, London2012 Festival, said: “Jeremy Deller’s life-sized inflatable replica of Stonehenge embodies many of the values of the London 2012 Festival – it is a once in lifetime event, it is a remarkable piece of art by a world renowned artist, and it is free for everyone to enjoy.
“With thanks to Arts Council England and the Mayor’s office this work will travel around the UK and London, popping up to delight London 2012 Festival audiences throughout the summer.’
The full schedule for the tour is detailed on the Sacrilege website; www.sacrilege2012.co.uk.
Alexandra Park is a Grade Two site of national importance on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England
Well, there is plenty of hot air going around in the Oldham Council Chambers, so there should be no problem getting the thing inflated!
Just got back from seeing Stonehenge. It was really good. I think this is a great idea!
Definitely going for a bounce!
What a shame its for one day only. I can’t get there tonight so its gone. But then the real stone thing has been around for 1000s of years and I’ve only since it once in a passing car.
Just got back, took some visiting family we all had a great time
Thanks Saddleworth News for the heads up, it was fab.
Part of what made it special was being “one day only”