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Are you ready for Flash@Hebburn?
THE lights will start to shine at Hebburn Riverside Park this weekend as part of a new £150,000 arty attraction.
Several hundred people will watch the official switch-on of Flash@Hebburn on Saturday night.
Years in the making, and involving numerous community groups and individuals, the illuminated installation has been created by internationally renowned artist Charles Quick.
Mr Quick said: "I've been involved in this project for more than seven years, so I'm really looking forward to the launch on Saturday.
"Groups involved in Flash@Hebburn have told their friends about the event, so there could be a huge crowd.
"We've seen the lights operating this week and they look fantastic."
The final instalment of the Art on the Riverside public art experience, the installation literally reflects the industrial heritage of the area, including shipbuilding and engineering.
Flash@Hebburn comprises a dozen independently powered eight-metre tall bespoke columns, displaying a series of programmed flash sequences, activated by movement, such as people walking along Hebburn Riverside Park.
Among those who have inspired the artwork are retired shipyard plater and supervisor Ron Tatum, who was also part of the victorious North Shields Amateur Cup Final winning team, which beat Sutton Utd 2-1 at Wembley, in 1969.
Mr Tatum, 65, of Regent Road, Jarrow, said: "My name was passed on to Charles Quick by South Tyneside Council.
"I was able to give Charles information about the mechanics of a working shipyard and it was a great thrill to be involved."
Others attending a special photo-call at the artwork yesterday were members of the Hebburn-based Mad Hatters' ladies walking group.
Group secretary Lisa McAtee said: "Hebburn Riverside Park is one of our walking routes and it's great to think that we will be featured in the light sequence."
Commissioned by South Tyneside Council and funded by the Arts Council, Flash@Hebburn has seen young and old coming together at workshops in Hebburn, where people had a creative input into the ambitious light feature over several years.
Flash@Hebburn will be launched at a major community event at Hebburn Riverside Park, starting at 6.30pm on Saturday, with the official switch-on at 7pm.
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
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