Historic barracks to host 'living parade'

A mock up of an artistic performance planned for Berwick barracks which shows colourful figures projected on the walls with a computer generated audience watching Image source, Maltings Trust
Image caption,

Local people will be filmed in advance to appear in images projected on the walls

  • Published

An 18th century barracks is to be lit up in a "living parade" as the first event in a five-year plan to increase visitor numbers.

The artwork, made up of large-scale light projections, is part of The Living Barracks project which aims to "restore and renew" the site in Berwick, Northumberland.

Artist Matthew Rosier is asking local people to volunteer to be filmed walking, dancing or skipping, with the results forming part of the Berwick Parade.

The performance will be accompanied by the Pipe Band of the King's Own Scottish Borderers regiment which has its home in the town.

James Lowther, Head of Visual Arts at The Maltings which commissioned it, said: "Local people are at the heart of Matthew's plans and we can't wait to see the results."

Image source, Maltings Trust
Image caption,

The barracks were built between 1717 and 1721 and were home to over 600 troops

Designed by the architect Nicholas Hawksmoor, Berwick's Grade 1 listed barracks are described by English Heritage as "the largest and finest built in England, external".

They could house a full regiment of infantry, whose purpose was to deter uprisings.

Image source, Maltings Trust
Image caption,

The parade ground could be used as a venue for outdoor performances and cinema

Living Barracks is a £12m project which could see the parade ground used for music, theatre and cinema.

The plans also include a new museum, shop and restaurant, with much of the building, two-thirds of which is currently empty, converted into flats.

There will also be workshop spaces for local artists to make and sell their work.

Berwick Parade will be on show between 28 February and 2 March 2025.

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