Details of a spectacular cavalcade of colour across the Silver Jubilee Bridge (SJB) next month have been released as organisers urged residents to sign up and take part.
The “A Life in a Day: Bridge Takeover” parade is taking place on the iconic Runcorn-Widnes crossing from noon to 6pm on Saturday, June 26, divided into seven stages marking seven phases of life as part of Halton’s 2021 Borough of Culture year.
Giant prams, trikes, camper vans, mobility scooters and “wild senior citizens astride enormous shopping trolleys” are all expected to feature in the celebration of life’s journey over the famous bridge, which opened 60 years ago on July 21, 1961.
Due to Covid-19, anyone who lives, works or plays in Halton has been invited to take part in the procession, as there are intended to be no crowds or audience.
The bridge, which links Widnes and Runcorn over the River Mersey, will be shut to traffic.
Walk the Plank, the arts company commissioned by Halton Borough Council to stage the spectacle, said the parade’s seven stages are:
- Noon: The Big Pram Push: Organisers are keen to hear from parents with babies born in 2021, expecting parents and midwives to stroll across the bridge with their little ones and take pictures of their bump on the bridge.
- 1pm: Children on scooters, trikes and tiny bikes: Families with children over three years of age have been invited to “pimp” their bikes in workshops, and to bring their own scooter, trike or toy electric car to await the organisers’ chequered flag to wave.
- 2pm: Teenage takeover 12-16 years: Skaters, BMX bikers, martial arts experts, athletes, e-scooter riders, cyclists and roller skaters will be welcome to scoot, skate, cycle or wheelie across.
- 3pm: Fabulous Fashion Parade: Fashion-conscious 18-25 year olds are being sought to do something memorable with their friends in their highest heels or dressed as though for Ladies Day at the races, with makeup and hair stations on site for last-minute stylings to “get that perfect Instagram shot”.
- 4pm: Growing up, getting hitched 30s-40s, burdened with kit: Organisers have called for brides and grooms, grooms and grooms and brides and brides, or anyone already married but for whom their wedding is a distant memory due to being “burdened with mortgage, debt and children”. Campervans, caravans, family-friendly bike rides, wheelchair users and families are all being sought for this stage of the event.
- 5pm: Midlife crisis: Anyone enjoying a new lease of life in their 50s or 60s is being sought to celebrate their rediscovered vitality, whether through a new hairdo, Harley Davidson, or new lover, and to “come and show off on the bridge”.
- 6pm: Slowing down but not stopping: An invitation to elders to join with their dogs, husbands and wives, mobility scooters or grandchildren.
Walk the Plank has been making public space art for nearly 30 years.
Its previous events include Manchester Day Parade and Liverpool’s 2008 Capital of Culture opening; as well as commissions for festivals and civic celebrations across the UK and beyond.
Due to Covid-19, organisers said there aren’t going to be any crowds and people are instead being encouraged to sign up to take part in person.
Liz Pugh, Walk the Plank creative producer, said: “The ongoing risk of Covid restrictions means we have taken a different approach to planning this celebration.
“Instead of crowds of spectators who turn up on the day to watch, there will be no audience.
“Instead we invite you to sign up to participate, and choose which time of life best suits your circumstances.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to tango with your best friend, do a wheelie on your BMX or get the Instagram post of the year, from the middle of the world’s best bridge.”
Cllr Paul Nolan, of Halton Council, said: “After everything we have gone through this year, we’re delighted that we can open up the Silver Jubilee Bridge to local residents and bring people together.
“Participants will get a chance to celebrate the easing of lockdown by doing something together with friends and family outdoors.
“We hope the event will give them memories that last a lifetime.”
To take part, email participate@walktheplank.co.uk or call 07902 548 547.
