A spectacular moving art installation comes to the streets of Eccles this week

A new moving art installation that brings together a collection of talented artists is set to take over the streets of Eccles this week.

Mystery Bird will run for five consecutive nights in the new year, and is made up of an illuminated bird cage with a magical soundscape that will travel along residential streets before a magical projection of birds escapes across homes and buildings, before culminating in a performance on Church Street outside St Mary’s Church.

The work takes inspiration from the bird’s symbolism of hope and freedom, and coincides with ambitious regeneration plans for the historic market town.

The programme is a shared vision and collaborative project, with Salford City Council working closely with local organisations, community groups, and businesses to create and deliver these changes.

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 Sat 27 Jan.”

Mystery Bird will run from Tue 23 Jan – Sat 27 January 2024.