Pictures: Thousands turn out for Newbury’s spectacular blazing canal trail

FRIDAY, Saturday and Sunday saw the reprise of the breathtaking outdoor arts event Ablaze, organised as part of 101 Outdoor Arts’ 10 year anniversary celebrations, with Victoria Park and the Kennet and Avon Canal glowing with blazing fire sculptures.

Over the three days, 6,000 people walked the free trail from West Mills swing bridge along the flame-lit canal, enjoying live music and floating braziers on their journey.

Another 4,000 joined the event at Victoria Park where a spectacular Fire Garden had been created by Cie Carabosse, with live music on the boating lake, stunning fire sculptures, mechanical structures and much more.

101 strategic lead Simon Chatterton, said: “We were delighted by the way Newbury turned out for Ablaze. There was an incredibly special atmosphere in the town over the weekend and it really showed the way the arts can bring people together.”

Based at Greenham, 101 Outdoor Arts, part of Corn Exchange Newbury Trust, is the National Centre for Arts in Public Space and supports the creation and development of performances and installations which are seen around the UK and internationally. The Corn Exchange and 101 Outdoor Arts also present regular free outdoor performances in and around Newbury.

Mr Chatterton added: “It could never have happened without the support of Greenham Trust and Arts Council England who have been such great supporters of 101 and the outdoor arts programme over the years.’

Head of 101 outdoor arts & outdoor programmes Danielle Corbishley said a massive thank you to the production team who worked tirelessly to ensure everything for this event ran smoothly, the volunteer and professional stewarding teams, water safety, Newbury Canoe Club, The Waterside Centre, Canal and River Trust, Newbury Town Council and everyone who helped with spaces for log stores and access to roads and the towpath.

If you are interested in seeing first-hand what happens at 101 Outdoor Arts,you are invited to step inside the rehearsal room and explore the facilities at the 101 Open Day on Tuesday ( September 24), tickets are free but pre-booking is required, drop in between 4pm and 6pm.

The next free community outdoor event is the annual Festival of Light on Sunday, December 15 at 4pm with the procession starting at 4.30pm.