Massive Fire Display

12 November 2010, 14:08 | Updated: 15 November 2010, 11:43

To celebrate Southampton's £5 million pound development of Guildhall Square a massive fire display is took place on Friday night.

Southampton’s new look Guildhall Square was officially launched on Friday night (November 12th 2010).

French fire alchemists Compagnie Carabosse transformed the newly refurbished square into a magical fire garden across two evenings. It included dancing fire sculptures, mysterious fiery engines and cascades of candles.

‘Alive and Ablaze’ was put on by The Nuffield Theatre, Southampton City Council and ZEPA European Zone of Artistic Projects, and is part of ‘Art at the Heart’ - a series of inspirational creative projects for Southampton’s emerging cultural quarter.

Councillor Royston Smith, Leader of Southampton City Council, says:

“I am very pleased Southampton’s Guildhall Square is now open to the public.

“I am confident the square will give residents a huge amount of pleasure, creating an atmospheric place in the centre of the city - as well as attracting further investment and events to Southampton.

“Guildhall Square has already helped attract millions of pounds of investment to the Cultural Quarter for the Arts Complex and Sea City Museum."

Councillor John Hannides, Southampton City Council’s cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Heritage, said:

“I am extremely proud that Southampton’s Guildhall Square is now complete and residents and visitors can start enjoying this amazing new space.

“Compagnie Carabosse is exactly the type and quality of events we want to continue hosting at the venue. Guildhall Square is firmly establishing itself as the heart of Southampton’s emerging cultural quarter.”