Awe-inspiring ‘Cathedral of the air’ lands in Bangor to stimulate the senses

An inflatable wonderland is expected to attract hundreds of visitors to the Old Bowling Green, Deiniol Rd, over four days. The extraordinary Luminarium, will generate excitement and wonder in the city of Bangor between 29 September and 2 October.  The Luminarium is a giant labyrinthine structure of tunnels and cavernous domes filled with radiant light and colour. Likened to exploring a futuristic space station or the human body, the Luminarium is a sculpture where by people experience a sense of wonder by the beauty of colour and light.

The blow-up castle-like structure, created by international arts installation company Architects of Air, will be erected in the centre of the city, below the Cathedral gardens. Since 1992 Architects of Air’s Luminarium have made over 500 exhibitions in 37 countries.  From Berlin to Brooklyn, Hong Kong to Hawaii, Taipei to Tel Aviv, Sao Paulo to the Sydney Opera House, the monumental walk-in sculptures of Architects of Air have enchanted audiences around the world.

Dyfan Roberts, Pontio’s Art Development Officer said, “The Luminarium event reinforces Pontio’s aim of giving the people of Bangor new and exciting arts experiences by leading world-class practitioners. Located on the Old Bowling Green, highly visible and accessible to the centre of town and right across the road from the site of our new centre, the amazing installation will strengthen the community links between town and college, paving the way to more innovative public arts events in the period leading up to the opening of Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre in 2013.”

The Luminarium can be appreciated by people of all ages and abilities. It is accessible to wheelchair users and people with mobility difficulties. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult (maximum four children per adult).

LUMINARIUM FUN DAY! Saturday 1 October 11am, High Street
Over the summer holidays, children from Maesgeirchen was involved in a series of craft making workshops, lead by local arts co-operative Syrcas-Circus. A special parade, featuring their artwork will take place on Saturday, starting at the Octagon, Dean Street at 11am. Accompanying the young people will be Syrcas Circus’ performers; the amazing, eye-catching Dr Zig’s Dragon Bubbles and the Samba rhythms of the Latin, percussion band – Batala Bangor! 

Appearing for the first time in Bangor is This is Rubbish (TiR) – a Machynlleth based charity campaigning for the implementations of policies and solutions to food waste in a fun and creative way. Said the founder of TiR, Caitlin Shepherd, “At the Luminarium fun day we will be serving apple juice, playing traditional apple games and hosting apple identification workshops. So come along to taste the delights of apples in abundance; all apples that otherwise would've gone to waste!”

The Luminarium will open between 11am-6pm

Ticket for the Luminarium: £3 (10% discount for groups of four or more)
Buy on the door.

Publication date: 29 September 2011