Enchanted Parks is a magical after-dark arts adventure, which sees Gateshead’s famous Victorian park, Saltwell Park, brought to life with visual arts, performance, installation and interactive works in an event for the whole family.
This year’s event tells the enchanting story of Ursula Wailes, the eldest daughter of William Wailes and heiress to the Saltwell Towers Estate, who makes a gift of Saltwell Park to the people of Gateshead. After filling the park with incredible inventions, plants from all over the world and wonderful creatures, she captures the imagination of children and adults alike; many reporting that the park itself feels alive.
Unfortunately, her magical and generous donation is thrown back in her face in a most unfair manner. Legend has it that the young heiress closes the park in response to this betrayal and it has remained closed forever since. Now in 2017, residents report strange noises in the park and those houses nearby, with young people in the family, receive a mysterious invitation. To the generation of optimists: You are cordially invited to The Inventors Ball in Saltwell Park. It is simply signed, UW
The trail is set and 13 creations are waiting for you in Saltwell Park. Download the app to discover the story of Ursula Wailes and explore the Inventors’ Ball’s strange inventions and creatures. Unlock content to learn more about the artists, follow the story and complete the trail.
There is a map indicating artwork locations. When you locate them in the park, there is a 4-digit code marked on a sign at each installation which you can then enter in the app to ‘unlock’ additional content. Once you have unlocked every artwork, you will be able to suggest your own invention ideas for the chance to win some magical prizes.
Simply download the app to your mobile device and you’ll see the full trail, can follow Ursula’s story and discover more about The Inventors’ Ball from the moment you step in the park.
Enchanted Parks takes place on the evenings of Tuesday 5, Wednesday 6, Thursday 7, Friday 8, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December 2017.
Enchanted Parks is developed by NewcastleGateshead Initiative in partnership with Gateshead Council and funded by Arts Council England.