A spectacular and immersive moving art exhibition is set to pop-up in the Greater Manchester market town of Eccles this month. Known as Mystery Bird, the art installation brings together a collective of artists to celebrate birds, and their symbolism of hope and freedom.
Running for five consecutive nights between January 23 and 27, Mystery Bird is made up of an illuminated bird cage with a magical soundscape that will travel along residential streets of Eccles, before a magical projection of birds escapes across homes and buildings. The art installation is set to mesmerise locals and visitors with its beautiful journey culminating in a performance on Church Street outside St Mary’s Church in the town centre.
Part of the regeneration project for Eccles, the Mystery Bird art installation “aims to shine a light on the town centre”. Mystery Bird, originally developed by Quays Culture, is a creative intervention designed to bring people together, helping to build a sense of community, pride and hope. The installation features contributions from paper artist Helen Musselwhite, vocal artist Jason Singh, video projection artists Illuminus, local fabricators M3 Industries, and digital expert Jack Hardiker.
Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Executive Support Member for Culture, Communications and Strategic Priorities, said: “As part of our ongoing Events Programme in Eccles, Mystery Bird is an exciting project all about bringing people together; across the community and in the town centre. Communities in all corners of Eccles will be involved when this illuminated artwork travels down designated streets, and the event will culminate with a projection of birds onto Eccles Parish Church in the town centre on Saturday 27 January.
“Mystery Bird is another fantastic reason to be proud of Eccles, to visit Eccles town centre and all it has to offer and is an opportunity to have an incredible cultural experience for free!”
Where to see the Mystery Bird art installation
Mystery Bird will run from Tuesday 23rd January – Saturday 27th January 2024 and all routes will start at the below locations within Eccles then go on to surrounding streets.
Tuesday 23 January
5pm – Schofield Road, M30 7LU
6pm – Gilbert Street, M30 7DE
7pm – Bakewell Road, M30 7BD
Wednesday 24 January
5pm – Leamington Road, M30 8NE
6pm – Chelmer Way, M30 8EN
7pm – Queen Victoria St, M30 0RE
Thursday 25 January
5pm – Nasmyth Road, M30 7AP
6pm – Enfield Close, M30 0QD
7pm – Barlow Street, M30 0BF
Friday 26 January
5pm – Montgomery Street, M30 0YW
6pm – Philip Street, M30 0WF
Saturday 27 January
5pm – 5.30pm – Church Street
6pm – Monton Lane, M30 0LW
7pm – Shakespeare Crescent, M30 0PB
Find out more about Mystery Bird here.