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Artwork launched in a Flash!
MORE than 200 people watched as South Tyneside's rich industrial history was lit up against the night sky.
A big community event saw people gather at Hebburn Riverside Park for the switch-on of the 150,000 Flash@Hebburn art installation on Saturday night.
Seven years in the making, artist Charles Quick has worked with hundreds of people in the community to create a work literally reflecting famous local industrial landmarks, such as Hawthorn Leslie shipyard and electrical switchgear makers Reyrolle.
Comprising a dozen independently-powered eight-metre-tall columns with solar panels, displaying a series of programmed flash sequences, Flash@Hebburn is activated by people walking along the riverbank.
On a fine March night, families massed on the riverbank to wait for the Mayor of South Tyneside, Coun Alex Donaldson, to carry out the official switch-on.
Artist Mr Quick praised South Tyneside Council, who commissioned the work, for "taking the risk" with the community project.
He said: "I'm delighted with Flash@Hebburn, which is influenced by the past, but is for the future of Hebburn."
Gazing up at the flashing artwork, eight-year-old William Whitehead, of Jarrow, said: "I think it's cool."
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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
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
