About
Enchanted Parks, now in its 5th year, is an innovative after-dark outdoor arts experience developed and co-commissioned by NewcastleGateshead Initiative and Gateshead Council and produced by Magnetic Events as part of the annual NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival.
Enchanted Parks has taken place in Saltwell Park in Gateshead since December 2007 and the event has grown year-on-year with audiences of over 14,000 expected in 2011.
Carol Bell, head of culture & major events at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “We’re extremely proud to bring Enchanted Parks back to Gateshead. This event’s popularity has seen it sell-out every year and I’d encourage anyone interested in attending to book early.
“To cope with the huge demand for this event we’re increasing capacity by opening a new entrance to the park. People using public transport will be able to enter via Saltwell View and those travelling by car will be able to use the Joicey Road entrance.
“The beautiful surroundings of the ‘People’s Park’ is brought to life with the work from some of the region’s finest artists and performers. It’s the perfect way to get into the festive mood and enjoy one of the best events in our year long calendar.”
The theme of this year’s Enchanted Parks is Surprise! Using winter surprise as a starting point the artists responded with a broad range of art forms interpreting Surprise in their own unexpected ways.
Enchanted Parks also includes special commissions by students from the regions universities. Emerging talent from Newcastle, Northumbria and Sunderland Universities will showcase their work in a professional environment alongside established artists and performers. Details of the successful student commissions will be announced at a later date. Keep checking back for details.
Enchanted Parks is funded by Gateshead Council and Northern Rock Foundation.
Thanks also to Grainger Trust for supporting this event.
