A FREE festive installation aimed at capturing the magic of Christmas morning is coming to Golden Square – and all the family are invited.
Culture Warrington’s ‘At No.25’ is turning the former Shipton’s jewellery store into a secret installation, opposite Starbucks, from next Wednesday, December 1 and will run throughout December.
What visitors can find in the immersive Christmas experience is being kept under wraps until the grand opening but it promises to be ‘elaborate, over-the-top and very festive’.
Leah Biddle, cultural manager at Culture Warrington, is leading the project with match funding from Warrington BID and Warrington Borough Council and support from Golden Square.
She said: “We wanted to create a family-friendly art installation – something that was really accessible and would spread a bit of Christmas joy after a difficult year.
“People will be able to look through the window and feel festive whenever they visit Golden Square. But the unit will also be open at certain times throughout the day when families can immerse themselves within interactive displays and take pictures.
“The whole installation is very much about capturing the magic of Christmas morning and creating a really festive atmosphere.”
At No.25 will be brought to life by artists Daisy James and Enya Koster and storyteller Felicity Goodman, who all live and work in Warrington.
Leah added: “It will be a really immersive experience. We hope it will be something a little bit different for Warrington.
“There are going to be lots of largescale pieces but then there going to be lots of small, intricate pieces because it’s an old jeweller’s and on the back wall are lots of cubbyholes and cabinets.
“We hope people can go a few times and each time discover something new because there will be so much to see.”
There will be live performances with the Sugar Plum Fairy coming to life on December 4, 11 and 18 from 10am to 11.30am and 12.30pm and 2pm.
Ian Cox, Centre Director at Golden Square said: “This exhibition will hopefully stir up some wonderful memories for people and take them back to their childhood and a time when Christmas felt magical.”
Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for culture at Warrington Borough Council, added: “At No.25 promises to be a really Christmassy experience that will delight young and old alike. It’s sure to get people into the festive spirit, and will be quite unique – a place of discovery and curiosity featuring the imaginative work of some of our talented local artists.
If the installation is a success it is hoped that it will return and be developed upon year after year.
Leah said: “We can’t wait for the people of Warrington to take a look inside ‘No.25’. It wouldn't be possible without the arts groups, Priestly College students, Warrington charity shops and other community groups who have supported us.”
Amy Dawber, Warrington BID Manager, added: “We are really pleased to be able to support the At No.25 Christmas installation this year. A year where many in our community have faced significant challenges as the result of Covid-19.
Standard opening times are between 10am and 4pm but could be subject to change. To plan your visit, go to facebook.com/warringtonartsfestival
Volunteers are also being sought. Anyone interested should email info@warringtonartsfestival.co.uk
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