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City Remembers Liverpool Blitz
LIVERPOOL is staging a special event to mark one of
the darkest periods in its history at an iconic City Centre venue.
Out of the Darkness will transform St Luke's Church (known locally as the
bombed out church) in a free moving light and sound display to signify the
75th anniversary of the May Blitz.
Taking place each evening from 9pm to 10pm, Friday, 6 to Sunday, 8 May 2016, projections
will be beamed on five large screens placed in the windows facing Harman
Street and a rolling ten minute film will run throughout the hour which will
feature dramatic archive footage and images and be accompanied by a haunting
soundtrack of drones, and first-hand accounts of those terrifying nights.
From 8pm each evening, thousands of stained glass lanterns will illuminate
in and around the building, signifying the lives that were lost in one of
the country's worst bombing periods of the 2nd World War.
The lanterns will be created by schools across Merseyside and Liverpool
community groups, and each 1 will be unique and individual to those making
it.
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May 2016 is a particularly poignant moment for the venue which was hit by an
incendiary device on this date in 1941, and stands, as a stark reminder
of the raids that rocked the city.
Commissioned by the City Council, Out of the Darkness is being created by
innovative artists METRO-BOULOT-DODO (MBD) who specialise in designing art
experiences which transform buildings into emotive and engaging spaces for
the audience.
Assistant Mayor and cabinet member for culture, tourism and events,
Councillor Wendy Simon, said:- "It is difficult for us to comprehend
the horrors experienced by the people of Liverpool, and the wider region, 75
years ago.
Outside of London, this area suffered one of the heaviest numbers of
casualties in the UK, and one of the most vivid reminders of the blitz is
the burnt out shell of St Luke's which serves as a constant reminder of one
of our darkest times.
Out of the Darkness will be a stunning piece of work in this significant
venue, which will not only be a thought provoking piece about a turbulent
time for the City, but will also reflect on people's resilience during those
harrowing times. Out of the despair, came hope as community spirit shone
through. It will undoubtedly be a fascinating few nights and I hope as
many people as possible take the opportunity to see this iconic building in
a whole new light."
Artistic Director of MBD, Esther Simpson, said:- "The bombed out
church is a true icon for the City and it's a real privilege to share the
stories of the Liverpool Blitz at this historic and much loved site. Out of
The Darkness will be a spectacular and emotive illumination which will offer
the people of Liverpool the chance to reflect on those tragic events and the
resilience our City showed in the preservation of our freedom."
For the latest information, visit:-
CultureLiverpool.Co.UK/LiverpoolBlitz
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