Whit walk celebrates first anniversary of Dream

The first anniversary of the launch of Dream - the dramatic sculpture for St.Helens and the North West – has been celebrated in spectacular style by hundreds of local people and visitors from across the region.

A traditional Whit Walk organised by the Shining Lights Heritage Group - complete with May Queen and entourage, choir, ex-miners and their families - made its way to the summit of the hill to celebrate the occasion.

There was also a community gala day and special dance performance inspired by Dream.

The impressive 20 metre-high sculpture, by internationally renowned artist Jaume Plensa, is situated on the site of the former Sutton Manor Colliery in St.Helens, midway between Liverpool and Manchester.

Marian White from the Shining Lights Heritage Group said: "The day was a celebration of all our traditions from the past, such as the Whit Walk procession, crowning of the May Queen - and also the way in which Dream symbolises our hopes and aspirations for the future.”

Dream was commissioned by local ex-miners and St.Helens Council as part of Channel 4's Big Art Project, an ambitious public art commissioning initiative supported/funded by Arts Council England, the national development agency for the arts, and The Art Fund, the UK's leading independent art charity.