Explore the universe with Constellations this weekend on Wirral

A portal to the stars opens tonight at West Kirby’s Marine Lake. Constellations presents Studio Joanie Lemercier starts this evening (Friday 18 October) and runs until Sunday (20 October).

Stunning photos and footage have now been revealed which gives a glimpse of what to expect from this spectacular installation, which takes audiences on a journey among the stars.

The sound and light installation takes place on a huge water screen to create an immersive experience through breath-taking 3D visuals. Visitors will be transported from the heart of a black hole into deep space, travelling through the planets and stars as the projection explores the limits of the universe.

Commissioned by Wirral Borough of Culture, Constellations can be seen from the south side of Marine Lake, next to West Kirby Sailing Club, with shows every 30 minutes from 7pm with the final performance starting at 9.30pm.

French artist Joanie Lemercier has been expanding the possibilities of light and space for the past 10 years. After exploring video mapping, live shows and gallery installations, inConstellations he uses an unlikely material to present his meticulous work: water. Constellations is a fascinating journey combining his magnificent visuals with the electronic soundscapes of producer Paul Jebanasam.

This weekend’s event is the first commission as part of a Liverpool City Region project – also called Constellations. This series of events is designed to inspire local communities to rediscover their neighbourhoods and spend time stargazing and will see artists working in Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton, Halton and Knowsley over the coming weeks.

Constellations was influenced by Wirral Borough of Culture 2019 and its themes of discovery, exploration and the great outdoors. More exciting space-themed events are planned as part of the final chapter of the year as Wirral celebrates an amazing 12 months and looks ahead to 2020. These include Luke Jerram’s internationally-acclaimed installationMuseum of the Moon at Birkenhead Town Hall (Friday 25 October – Friday 15 November) and the return of fireworks extravaganza River of Light (Sunday 3 November).

Lucy Barrow, Assistant Director, Culture & Visitor Economy commented: “Constellations is going to be an amazing first for Wirral during our Borough of Culture year, and we hope as many residents and visitors as possible will join us this weekend.

“We’re delighted to be working with Joanie Lemercier to present his incredible installation in the beautiful surroundings of West Kirby Marine Lake for the first of six excitingConstellations events across the city region. This extraordinary work will elevate one of Wirral’s most stunning locations to create an out-of-this-world experience.”

The Borough of Culture initiative was introduced by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and is designed to encourage cultural activities across the region.

Constellations presents Studio Joanie Lemercier runs from Friday 18 – Sunday 20 October at Marine Lake in West Kirby, with shows at 7pm, 7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm and 9.30pm. It is free for all to attend. For more information go to visitwirral.com

To find out more about the full Constellations programme, please visit constellationslcr.co.uk

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