The Wagon Train stage has been travelling across Salford all summer and is now set for a grand finale edition taking place on Sunday October 25.
Residents can expect a magical outdoor spectacle for a family audience of 3000 created by outdoor arts curators, Walk the Plank.
As the clocks turn back, the event celebrates the city’s heritage, shines a light on talent and it’s “an opportunity to be a part of something that isn’t going to happen again in this city for 100 years, which will be quite unusual and memorable.”
Visitors can expect aerial performances, a glittering, glowing Time Capsule, the Wagon Train of Inventions and the return of the gigantic birthday cake!
The event will feature dancers representing the heydays of Salford’s entertainment nightlife, from ballroom to northern soul; and live music from drummers, plus DJs.
There will be a fire and a short firework finale to end the night with a bang.
Prior to the finale the wagon train has been making its way around Salford neighbourhoods.
Liz Pugh, co-founder of Walk the Plank, said: “Using a wild west wagon as a stage that opens up and folds out, embraces all the talent that Salford’s different neighbourhoods have to offer.
“We’ve uncovered some amazing performers as we’ve gone round the neighbourhoods this summer.”
“Its been completely different because when we have turned up in neighbourhoods, the wagon has opened up to be a small stage and an audience of two to three hundred people.”
Liz emphasised how special the finale will be.
“We have in our toolkit quite a lot of magic tricks that come out at night, whether that’s fire or fireworks.”
Communities around the city have been heavily involved throughout the process and will be a big part of the finale.
Liz says she has been contacting and inviting community groups to participate as dancers, torch bearers and light carriers.
She said: “We’re also working with schools in Salford, doing workshops in advance to make lanterns.”
The event is looking for the Salford community to get involved and become part of the performance, with opportunities including:
- Torchbearers – joining a torchlit procession with community groups from across Salford
- Geolight Carriers – taking part in the River of Light parade with colour-changing lights
- Energy of Youth (16+) – a flashmob-style performance involving movement, dancing and props
- Audience Greeters – helping welcome audiences to the event
- Northern Soul Dancers – 10 dancers with some experience who can represent Salford’s rich Northern Soul heritage
No previous experience is needed for most roles, making this a great opportunity for residents of all ages to get involved in this large-scale community celebration.
Liz emphasised the importance the finale is to the community, “I think the people in Salford are really proud of their city, I think they’re proud of the resilience within the communities in Salford.
“I think what we’ve discovered this summer is people really want to tell the world what they love about their city.
“There are people all over the world who have noticed this is a special year for Salford.”
