Hundreds of people came to watch the first UK ‘flight’ of London-based digital artists Umbrellium’s Mini Burble balloon sculpture at MediaCityUK at Salford Quays last night 14 July.
This Salford show follows performances in Dubai, Hong Kong, Paris and Barcelona.
The 100 ft floating spectacle, with the colours controlled by members of the public using an iPad application and mobile phone tweeting, lights up the sky with changeable LED lights of 170 different colours. Its flight was accompanied by a special performance from the 120 person-strong Honour Choir dubbed the ‘Greater Manchester super choir’, who sang four uplifting songs with a celebratory theme including Wonderful World.
The Quays Festival continues for the next four days with two free shows a day at 5pm and 9pm. On Saturday 18 July the five-day residency will culminate with a grand finale. One hundred hip hop dancers will join Mini Burble on the Piazza to perform a one-off routine choreographed by Boy Blue Entertainment, the team behind the London 2012 Opening Ceremony.
Lucy Dusgate, Programme Producer for Quays Culture, says: “This was an amazing start to the Umbrellium’s residency at The Quays. Mini Burble’s first appearance in the UK has been very well received. The balloon sculpture looked stunning against the MediaCityUK skyline and waterfront. The interactive element also worked really well, and members of the audience enjoyed the experience of being able to ‘finger paint’ the artwork using cutting-edge digital technology. It’s wonderful to be able to bring free futuristic cultural events to the Piazza and we look forward to welcoming hundreds more people over the coming days.”
