A MAJOR laser artwork will shine out over Daventry on Bank Holiday Monday (May 7) to celebrate the town’s past and the Cultural Olympiad.
Light Calling by Jo Fairfax is a new artwork that will recreate one of the former ‘A’ and ‘B’ radio masts on Borough Hill, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the last BBC World Service transmission from Daventry, and the Cultural Olympiad.
On Bank Holiday Monday evening four 7.8 watt laser beams will create a pyramid of light projecting high into the night sky.
The event is being staged by the regional Cargoes art programme.
Jo Fairfax said: “Cargoes offered me a great opportunity to continue the exciting work I have been undertaking with Graham Callister and Laser Hire London.
“Graham showed me various sites in Northamptonshire for this project and Borough Hill was the stand out site - amazing!
“The presence of the huge concrete blocks that once anchored the vast transmission masts held the space like standing stones.
“The openness of the location and hurtling wind gave a great sense of movement and connection. When I learned about the history of Borough Hill, the masts and the World Service transmission it only underlined what I already thought – this is a very special site, both physically and historically.
“It is an absolute honour to create a site specific temporary laser artwork for Borough Hill. The cargo of transmission will be echoed by the transmission of light.”
The evening starts with a heritage walk and talk led by local historian Dave Adams from 7.30pm before the lasers are switched on at 9pm. A further walk led by artist Chrys Allen will start at approximately 9.30pm.
Borough Hill car park will be closed from 6pm. Stewards will be on hand to assist and direct those walking up.