CYCLING and walking charity Sustrans is bringing Luke Jerram, the artist responsible for the exhilarating “Shipquay Slide” and the magical “Sky Orchestra” in Derry TO the city for a series of three “Lullaby” rides on March 25, 26 and 27.
The Lullaby is an entourage of bikes decorated with LED lighting and kitted out with audio equipment, playing gentle lullaby music as they ride through residential streets at dusk as children are going to bed.
Luke Jerram, a renowned artist based in Bristol said: “I’m really looking forward to presenting Lullaby in Derry. It will be great to come back to the city.
“I’m a big fan of Sustrans so I’m delighted to be working with them on this project. As a dad of two young kids I wanted to create an art and sound installation for children which, going by the reception in other places, I’m sure it will be enjoyed immensely.”
The artist got the idea for Lullaby from an early childhood memory when, each Christmas his local bus company would decorate a double decker bus with lights then drive around villages at night, playing distorted carol music through tannoy speakers. Lullaby has taken place to date in Bristol, Holland and Portland in the UK.
Sustrans is planning to have the first two rides in Derry through local neighbourhoods: one in the Creggan on the Cityside and one in Strathfoyle on the Waterside.
The third ride on March 27 will be the most spectacular and will begin at Ebrington Square before traveling through the city centre via the Peace Bridge, Guildhall Square and the riverside paths.
We are looking for cyclists across the city and beyond to get involved and sign up as ride leaders, marshals or simply to take part. Each ride can involve up to 80 cyclists and all abilities are welcome.
You can borrow a bike or bring your own and there are specially adapted “velo-bikes” to suit wheelchair users or people with disabilities. Sustrans will provide the lighting and audio equipment.
The charity is also offering free cycle training and ride leader training for the communities taking part as well as free bike checks.
Ross McGill, event organiser from Sustrans said: “Lullaby is open to anyone who can ride a bike and if you don’t have one we will provide one for you during the event. It promises to be a really enchanting evening combining music, art and the joy of cycling.”
The event has been funded by the Arts Council NI and Derry City Council as part of the City of Culture Legacy Fund, the Department for Regional Development’s sustainable transport initiative Travelwise NI and the Public Health Agency.
Register today at www.sustrans.org.uk/lullaby or contact Ross at
[email protected] or (028) 71 365151
For a sneak peek of what to expect go to Luke’s website: http://lukejerram.com/projects/lullaby
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