Historic barracks to host 'living parade'

An 18th century barracks is to be lit up in a "living parade" as the first event in a five-year plan to increase visitor numbers.

The artwork, made up of large-scale light projections, is part of The Living Barracks project which aims to "restore and renew" the site in Berwick, Northumberland.

Artist Matthew Rosier is asking local people to volunteer to be filmed walking, dancing or skipping, with the results forming part of the Berwick Parade.

The performance will be accompanied by the Pipe Band of the King's Own Scottish Borderers regiment which has its home in the town.

James Lowther, Head of Visual Arts at The Maltings which commissioned it, said: "Local people are at the heart of Matthew's plans and we can't wait to see the results."

Designed by the architect Nicholas Hawksmoor, Berwick's Grade 1 listed barracks are described by English Heritage as "the largest and finest built in England".

They could house a full regiment of infantry, whose purpose was to deter uprisings.

Living Barracks is a £12m project which could see the parade ground used for music, theatre and cinema.

The plans also include a new museum, shop and restaurant, with much of the building, two-thirds of which is currently empty, converted into flats.

There will also be workshop spaces for local artists to make and sell their work.

Berwick Parade will be on show between 28 February and 2 March 2025.

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