Friday 24 June – ‘Saints and Singers’ by Walk the Plank ‘Saints and Singers’ was an impressive opening to a weekend of events for Sunderland's first ever Waterfront Festival. It felt like we were on some intrepid journey, beginning with an illicit meeting under Wearmouth Bridge, waiting for the clock to strike 10pm. We were here to witness Walk the Plank, an organisation renowned for spectacular outdoor theatre and their impressive use of pyrotechnics, with a display entitled ‘Saints and Singers’. There was a fair turnout, but whether the rain, or some poor advertising, had limited numbers, I’m not sure. It did mean that we had a pretty good view of the show. Meeting by candlelight
 | | Evoking the Wear's industrial past |
It started with us forming part of the procession down onto the riverside, following a group of candle-bearing welders. The candles were used to set fire to all manner of metallic structures, setting off impressive fireworks along the way. This display marked the building of a metallic angel – sadly obscured by the smoke of the explosions. The lonesome sound of a trumpet began the next stage of the display. We followed the noise to witness a show of glassblowing. A spectacular orb of glass was formed, then smashed dramatically as we were blinded by spiralling wheels of fire. These images evoked the industrial past of the Wear and brought to life its heritage. From funeral to carnival
 | | A procession by candlelight |
We were then treated to a show of street theatre. The coffin of St Cuthbert was carried dramatically down the riverside – a sombre sight backed by the toll of the funeral bell. And then suddenly the sound and atmosphere changed – uplifting – whistles and bells brought a carnival feel as the coffin was carried almost jauntily through the crowd. The feeling of celebration carried on with the sight of an angel high above the crowd. A remarkable display of aerial dance followed. We were then treated to some spectacular fireworks – marking a bright and successful future for the Wear. Overall, the intertwining of images of our industrial past, religious heritage and celebration of the future made for an evocative and thought-provoking show. | 
