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Land of Giants, the largest outdoor arts event ever staged in Ireland which happens on 30th June as part of the London 2012 Festival, is just one highlight in a year of many memorable events to happen all over Northern Ireland.
Siobhan McGuigan, Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s (NITB) ni2012: our time, our place, manager says it’s a very special year as it gives people the chance to celebrate what’s on their doorstep and showcase it to the world.
“With so many big events, celebrations, commemorations and amazing projects such as Land of Giants, coming to completion, this year will offer everyone an opportunity to explore their own town, city and country and celebrate some world-class events taking place in Northern Ireland,” said Siobhan.
World class event, Land of Giants, will take place at the Titanic slipways and feature over 500 actors, dancers, acrobats, aerialists, singers and percussionists as the writer and director, Mark Murphy explains.
“Land of Giants is a celebration of iconic Northern Ireland giants on an epic scale never seen on the island of Ireland before.
“The event will feature a spectacular pyrotechnics show, state of the art digital animation, special effects, a drumming section featuring 160 drummers and over 100 choristers who will all perform specially written music.”, said Mark.
The event takes inspiration from the many giants in the shared and diverse history and society of Northern Ireland - including the population as being ‘giant’ in terms of ideas, talent and heritage. Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver, the legendary Finn McCool, Harland and Wolff’s Samson and Goliath and the Giant’s Causeway are all iconic giants referenced throughout the performance.
Mark continued: “But I reckon it will be the sight of the Titanic being raised, to-scale, on the site where it once stood that will really wow our audience members.
“There may even be a few tears shed as the specially commissioned animation, featuring the draughtsmen who drew the ship, is projected onto the Titanic Building at that precise moment.
“The animation shows the draughtsmen who drew Titanic look out in amazement as the ship is raised in all its lighted glory – it’s a really special moment in the show.”
In a GIANT act of generosity, Legacy Trust UK announced they were making the event free to everyone. Tickets went on release at 9am on Monday 25th June and were allocated later that same day.
Land of Giants is written and directed by Mark Murphy and presented by Giant Events Company in association with Belfast City Council, Beat Carnival, Belfast Community Circus and Young at Art.
Land of Giants is part of London 2012 Festival, the spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration running from 21 June until 9 September 2012 bringing together leading artists from across the world with the very best from the UK. It is funded by Legacy Trust UK with additional support from Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. For further information and tickets visit www.landofgiants.info.
Legacy Trust UK is an independent charity creating a lasting impact from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by funding ideas and local talent to inspire creativity across the UK.
