Luke Jerram’s Lullaby serenades the streets of Weston
‘Lullaby’, a sound and light public artwork by internationally acclaimed artist Luke Jerram will see the streets of Weston serenaded by a flotilla of illuminated bikes and filled with serene, ambient music.
Presented by Theatre Orchard and taking place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 November from 6pm to 7pm, ‘Lullaby’ will bring a free cycling spectacle and magical sounds to neighbourhoods as evening falls. It will deliver an illuminated surround sound artwork for families to people’s doors, to be enjoyed from the bedroom window or doorstep alike.
The project, created by Luke Jerram in collaboration with composer Andy Taylor, features a flotilla of up to 30 twinkling bikes playing calm lullaby music. They will pass through parts of Central and South Weston on Saturday evening and the streets of Big Worle on the Sunday, sharing this unique experience with residents and on-lookers.
Members of the community invited to be part of the Lullaby fleets of cyclists include cycling and environmental groups and staff at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW). Weston General Hospital has gained a secure bike shelter and fleet of pool bikes thanks to a match-funded active travel grant from North Somerset Council.
The Central and South Weston Lullaby route will start and finish at St Paul’s Church on Walliscote Road, taking in adjacent, residential streets including Severn Avenue, Totterdown Road, Whitecross Road and Beaconsfield Road.
The Big Worle Lullaby route will start and finish at the Big Worle Hub at Feniton, Clovelly Road and cover streets including Tavistock Road, Castle Batch, St Mark’s Road and Bideford Road.
Both routes, led by experienced cyclists and overseen by marshals, will each cover around 6-7km and take approximately an hour. Participants bring along their own bikes on the night and gather at the starting points to decorate them with a bespoke Lullaby lighting kit, ready for the illuminated, community cycle.
There are still a few limited places left in each fleet for those who would like to take part. Participants need to be aged 18+, confident and proficient cyclists with roadworthy bikes and safety helmets. For more information and maps to see if your street is on a Lullaby route or to register to take part, go to https://www.theatreorchard.org.uk/events/lullaby/ and follow on social media for the latest updates.
Luke Jerram said: “Lullaby is the first artwork I have made specifically for children and young families and I wanted to create a special experience in residential areas before bedtime, as the streets quieten and empty and dusk falls. The artwork also promotes cycling and exercise and enables participants to explore areas of Weston which they might not know.”
The artist’s recent ‘In Memoriam’ installation was launched on Weston beach as part of Weston Arts + Health Week.
Fiona Matthews, Creative Director at Theatre Orchard said: “Lullaby has been delivered by bicycle to delighted communities all across the world and we are thrilled that the people of Weston are now part of the artwork’s musical journey.
“We want to thank the Big Worle Hub, St Paul’s Church and everyone involved for their kind support of the project and to all the cyclists and marshals who are taking part. Following what has been a difficult time for many, this artwork brings a sense of childhood wonder to the streets in a communally delivered and enjoyed experience that celebrates people power in every sense, whilst encouraging sustainable local travel.”
North Somerset Council’s active travel team are promoting Lullaby to local school audiences. They welcome enquiries from individuals, schools and businesses on how to increase cycling and active travel to reduce emissions and to stay healthy. Email the team on sustainable.travel@n-somerset.gov.uk or get inspired to ride by joining Love to Ride’s Winter Wheelers challenge at lovetoride.net/northsomerset.