Life in the glare of Odin’s Glow

WHEN residents of Newtonunder- Roseberry, in east Cleveland, were told their village would become a huge light and sound exhibition, naturally they were apprehensive about the prospect.

Many were concerned about more than 8,000 visitors trampling through their narrow streets, while others feared their normally tranquil lives would be severely disrupted.

But after watching the iconic landmark of Roseberry Topping transformed during the four-night show, the vast majority have been won over.

Tickets for the eagerly awaited festival of light, sound and mythology were snapped up within days of becoming available, and as the show came to a close last night organisers were declaring it a huge success.

Twenty-six artists and more than 300 schoolchildren helped recreate the history of the area, which was once a place of worship to Odin and named after the Norse god of battle.

“We spent a lot of time convincing people in the village about what we planned,” said Robin Morley, producer of Odin’s Glow.

“The problem was that residents hadn’t seen anything like this before, so they didn’t know what to expect.

“The sort of people we attracted were not necessarily the type who would go to art galleries.”

Odin’s Glow used the features of the village and its surrounding area to create the unique exhibition.

Roseberry Topping was illuminated with different shapes of light, the bus stop was transformed into sub stop, exploring the creatures beneath the sea and a residents’ archway was used to view the surrounding landscape through Odin’s good eye.

Visitors were taken on a magical journey via a range of art installations hidden about the village, which was barred to traffic.

Local hero James Cook was also honoured with a light show on the village pond.

Mr Morley said: “We completely transformed the village and it’s hopefully something people will remember for the rest of their lives.

“We have taken over this village and are so grateful to the people who live here for welcoming us. We’ve had a lot of positive comments, it has totally captured people’s imagination.”

Cheers to a triumph

THE owners of the King’s Head Hotel and Restaurant were full to capacity with diners throughout the event.

John Dickinson, 70, who runs the business with his two sons, said trade had been good thanks to help from the organisers of Odin’s Glow.

“When we were told the village would be cut off, we did have some concerns as we rely on passing traffic,”

said Mr Dickinson.

“We are normally quite busy but the organisers worked with us to make sure we were fully booked for the duration of the event.

“We have had a captive audience and it has gone better than we expected.”

Adults and children from across Redcar and Cleveland produced Odin’s memories in the car park behind the King’s Head, including a black raven awaiting its next battle, a wishing well and pool and a cow dreaming of the Vikings’ return.

“I think it has been brilliant – it has really captured the imagination,”

said Mr Dickinson. “We are used to seeing walkers up Roseberry Topping, so it is nice to see it featured in a different way.

“It would be good to see a permanent light.”

Church entertainers

CANON Paul Peverell jumped at the chance to get his beautiful tiny church of St Oswald’s involved in Odin’s Glow spectacular.

With the help of children from nearby schools and some puppets, the tale of St Oswald, the ancient King of Northumbria was told to more than 1,000 people over the four-day event.

“It has just been incredible, said Canon Peverell. “The church was packed all the time, so many people came in to see the show.

“I heard about Odin’s Glow through local residents and asked if we could get involved.

“It has been a great way to get people working together.

We have had so much fun.

Some of the residents came in more than once.

“To have the children involved was great and we had a lot of fun when volunteers from the audience took on some of the roles in the story.

“People were a bit apprehensive at the beginning, but I heard nothing but good comments during the event. There have been no problems and people have embraced it.

“It has been hugely successful and it has really helped put the church on the map.”

Spotlight on family

THE Barnbrook family were concerned when they were asked if their house could be used for part of the exhibition.

Organisers spotted the archway attached to their house as the perfect location to display a feature looking at Roseberry Topping through Odin’s eye.

But the family were worried about the impact it would have on their lives for four days.

“It came as a bit of a shock when we found out.

We were concerned about the noise and people peering in through the windows,”

said Nigel Barnbrook, 49.

“But to be honest they have run it really well and we have had no problem with it.

“We are pretty easy going about the whole thing and we can’t criticise the organisers.”

Mr Barnbrook, his wife Annette, 51, son Kim, ten and daughter Eli, nine, said they enjoyed the event, having looked around the village.

Mr Barnbrook said: “A lot of money has been spent on this and a lot of work has gone into it. I think it has been done very tastefully.”