Plans are in place to make this year’s November 5 Fireworks display a spectacular fusion of percussion and pyrotechnics!
World-renowned drummers Les Commandos Percu and Deabru Beltzak are two street theatre companies who have taken part in festivals across the world and will perform as part of the River of Light event, which will include a parade along a city centre route filled with music, lights and, of course, fireworks.
The French and Spanish companies whose impressive drum-skills will see sparks, literally, fly as 20 drummers – half of which will be made up of local performers – wow crowds before the mid-River fireworks display takes place.
The route will be announced in the forthcoming weeks.
Lisa Trouilhet, Producer of the drumming show, said: “We are very excited about coming to Liverpool. Music is so important to us, and Liverpool’s music heritage will make this a really unforgettable event for us.
“The companies first performed in the UK 15 years ago, and we get a fantastic reaction from British audiences, but we’ve heard that a Liverpool crowd is really special so we can’t wait.
“On the evening, audiences should expect a lot of energy and noise and be prepared to see fireworks used in an unconventional way. It’s guaranteed to be a great show!”
Francisco Carrasco, Creative Director of OLC Productions has been co-ordinating the involvement of the local drummers within the show who are from organisations including Katumba, Urban Strawberry Lunch and the Lantern Band. He said: “We are really excited to lead ten top drummers from some of the main drum companies in the city who will be joining forces with these amazing international organisations in this special River of Light performance.”
This year’s event is a collaboration between Liverpool City Council and Wirral Council and aims to be one of the most ambitious fireworks events in the country.
Assistant Mayor and cabinet member for culture, tourism and events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “Having these renowned international artists on board is a real coup and will add a fantastic new dimension to the event.
“They will provide entertainment which we haven’t seen on our city streets before which is perfect for all the family.
“This year is very much about trying something different – we know mid-river fireworks displays are always hugely popular and by working in partnership with Wirral, we can make this event extra special and it’s one that can be seen on both sides of the Mersey.
“And there’s still more to come – so expect another announcement about what people can expect in the next few weeks.”
Wirral Council leader, Cllr Phil Davies, said: “As plans for the River of Light continue to take shape, this is another exciting addition to what is already set to be an amazing night.
“Wirral’s Mersey shoreline will offer some of the best viewing points and attractions for families of all ages and we look forward to welcoming the thousands of spectators from across the region for what will be one of the most spectacular bonfire night events anywhere in the country.”
River of Light is being supported by Albert Dock Liverpool, Liverpool BID Company, Hotel Indigo, Merseyrail and Birkenhead First (a Wirral Chamber of Commerce initiative).
Please note, there will be no official fireworks displays taking place in Sefton or Newsham Park.
To whet your appetite about what to expect on the evening, check out the video section of www.commandospercu.com.
For the latest information about the event visit www.riveroflightfireworks.co.uk.
