When the Light Goes Out at Tatton Park
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
On Remembrance Sunday, 11th November Cheshire East’s four-year-long programme of events to commemorate the First World War will come to a moving close with When the Light Goes Out, a light show presented by internationally renowned digital artists Illuminos, and a self-guiding promenade of specially commissioned performances.
This free family event will mark the centenary of the Armistice and will take place at Tatton Park in Knutsford. There has been a huge community involvement in the event with many hundreds of residents, school children and local groups across the Cheshire East borough contributing to make the event a special reflection on the hardship, loss and untold stories of the First World War.
Created by Yet Another Carnival, an associate company of Chester’s Storyhouse, the promenade performance through Tatton Park will feature choirs, storytelling and monologues to create a poignant montage of memory and reflection. Many are expected to join for this journey of contemplation, exploring the themes of grief, loss and the real human cost of war through performance and sound.
The spectacular highlight of this event will be Illuminos’ specially commissioned artwork Keeping Watch, which will use ingenious projection to transform Tatton Park’s Mansion house into a huge, ticking timepiece. Illuminos have cleverly incorporated the written work of local school children, telegram messages and snippets of news bulletins from 1918. As the cogs and dials of the Cheshire Trench watch start in motion and the watch chimes – ideas, thoughts and letters from the young people of today will be revealed.
At the close of the event the commemorative flame, which marked the centenary of the start of the First World War and has burned at Tatton Park since 2014, will be extinguished.
These events will all take place outside – come rain or shine – so suitable clothing and footwear is advised.
A fitting and beautiful end to Armistice Day.
