During the Mayor’s Thames Festival a rare spectacle could be seen on the River Thames in Central London. Musician and artist Simon Desorgher performed for the crowds from the centre of a giant floating sphere.
As if walking on water Simon performed 'Water Cycle for flute and sound system' on the Thames in front of the Royal Festival Hall.
The Mayor’s Thames Festival is an annual event held during the second week of September and involving a variety of activities on the shore and river between the London Eye and Tower Bridge. The week long celebration of the Thames culminates with a giant fireworks display to rival that of the New Year’s Eve display held beneath the London Eye. Other activities include stages with performances from musicians covering every spectrum, processions of boats and of course the famous Great River Race.
Livett’s were involved in managing the logistics of the sphere spectacle providing a support and safety boat as well as towing the sphere into position.
“Last year we were involved in a re-enactment of the abstract performance Ploof! for the Tate Modern. One boat acted as the stage for the performers whilst the other carried the audience. This year the Sphere was equally eye opening and certainly drew the crowds on the Saturday of the Thames Festival. The wind stopped us using the largest sphere, but even the smaller version was very impressive”, commented Chris Livett MD of Livett’s Launches.
For further information and images please select this link: Mayor's Thames Festival Kicks Off With Giant Floating Sphere
(September 10, 2009 - Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images Europe)