Liz Pugh, John Wassell and William Morley played with fire, accompanied by live music from saxophonist Benjamin Hill.

Walk the Plank would like to thank the Chelmsford Borough Council team.

Working with Company Fierce Dance Theatre and with support from Jonzi D, we created an engaging, theatrical and high energy performance that took the audience on a musical journey through the soul filled 70’s, into the 80’s era and the birth of rap music, to the present day. A giant mobile Ghetto Blaster acted as a stage for dancers who burst out of the speakers, or rose up on hydraulic platforms. The show also included a Youth FM section of the show, where young people could get involved with the show and present their own work during the performance.

Originally commissioned by Xtrax and the Without Walls Street Arts Consortium, the show has since toured countless festivals but made its final appearance as part of the Merseyside Dance Initiative’s weekend of outdoor work in June.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the promoters and event organisers who booked the show, and to recognise all the work by the ‘Boom Box’ team over the last three years.

Isle of Man TT Races finale fireworks
Sammy Samkin, Lucy Carlin, Adam Platten, Jenny Chung, Hannelora Johansson, Rachel Dean.

Bury Carnival
Ellie Turner, Rose Pandzioch, Jen Sharkey, all art car artists. Many thanks to all at Ear to the Ground and Bury Carnival.

Gulliver’s Boom Box
Nick Clark, Richard Babbington, Lee Fullwood. Special thanks to Company Fierce Dance Theatre and all at Merseyside Dance Initiative.

Manchester Day Parade
Liz Pugh, Billie Klinger, Candida Boyes, Ellie Turner, Lela Keighley, Jenny Sharkey, Holly Gill, Rachel Down, Andy Stratford, John Wassell, Ben Turner, Carrie English. Special thanks to Manchester City Council, the headline sponsor Siemens, every one of the 1800 participants, the hardworking volunteers, all the artists who helped create such special work, and all the stage managers who helped make the day a smooth running success. For full artist and participant credit listings, visit the Manchester Day Parade website.

Our new Operations Manager Nathan Jackson has worked with Walk the Plank in a freelance capacity for six years in both pyrotechnic and production roles. His knowledge will be paramount to managing our operational procedures and running elements of production for our numerous upcoming shows.

Christine Nip will also join the office team as Trainee Production Assistant. Fresh from graduating with a First in Physics from Manchester University, Christine will be assisting the production team and supporting the marketing office.

And congratulations are in order…

Our very own Project Director Andy Stratford has gained a National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety from NEBOSH (The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health). Andy’s many hours of hard work have paid off as he has gained a Distinction mark and is now a member of IOSH at techIOSH level – congratulations Andy!

Last month, we began the season in true Walk the Plank style. A finale fireworks display celebrated the Isle of Man’s TT races, the fabulous Manchester Day Parade enticed 75,000 people to the city and a collection of magical cars joined Bury’s Carnival.

And we intend to keep the momentum flowing! This weekend, we creatively produce the first installment of On the Waterfront, lighting up Liverpool’s world heritage site with street theatre, pirates, sand sculpture and an evening performance created by our own artists and pyrotechnicians, read on to learn more.

Not only that, we’re very pleased to announce that Walk the Plank will be producing a very special event in Finland next year…

Tor Emms, Marketing Officer
marketing@walktheplank.co.uk

Join us from Friday 16th July to Sunday 18th of July as an art and maritime theme takes over the city’s World Heritage site. From specially commissioned fire and light spectacle ‘A Wave At Picasso’ (created by us) to Pirate adventures and a UK premier of a high energy aerial and acrobatic performance aboard a historic vessel.

Then, from Friday 6th August to Sunday 8th August, a chance to spend a weekend experiencing spectacular outdoor dance performances. From the sensuous Liverpool Samba School, to the daring parkour and free running moves of Prodigal Theatre and Gravity Style, to the inventive and witty choreography of Spanish company Factoria Mascaro.

For full listings, visit the On the Waterfront website now!

If you missed out on registering to be part of the event, or have no plans this weekend and would like to be part of an event celebrating what makes Manchester Out of this World, why not volunteer with us?

We’re looking for people who would be willing to help us make the event a huge success, whether helping pull a giant peacock, or steward and give out programmes!

If you’re interested, call Lela in the office on 0161 736 8964, or email us at info@walktheplank.co.uk.

Tell me more about the Manchester Day Parade

Download the Manchester Day Parade programme NOW!

As part of the art and maritime weekend, Walk the Plank are creating A Wave at Picasso, a very special event which will feature projection, pyrotechnics, specially composed music and other special effects, inspired by the Tate’s Picasso exhibition Peace and Freedom.

We’re now searching for canoeists who would like to play an important part in an event that promises to stun the senses, spark imaginations and leave a long lasting impact on the eyes, ears and mind.

If you’re interested in taking part, contact John Wassell on john@walktheplank.co.uk.