Historic Barracks to Launch “Living Parade” Event

An 18th-century barracks is set to be illuminated by a “living parade,” marking the initial event in a five-year strategy designed to boost visitor attendance. This artistic display, comprising large-scale light projections, constitutes a component of The Living Barracks project, which aims to “restore and renew” the site located in Berwick, Northumberland. Artist Matthew Rosier is inviting local residents to volunteer for filming as they walk, dance, or skip, with these recordings destined to become part of the Berwick Parade. The performance will be musically accompanied by the Pipe Band of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers regiment, which maintains its base in the town. James Lowther, Head of Visual Arts at The Maltings, the organization that commissioned the project, commented: “Local people are at the heart of Matthew’s plans and we can’t wait to see the results.” Berwick’s Grade 1 listed barracks, originally conceived by architect Nicholas Hawksmoor, are described by English Heritage as “the largest and finest built in England.” These structures were capable of housing a complete regiment of infantry, whose primary role was to deter uprisings. The Living Barracks is a £12m initiative that envisions the parade ground being utilized for musical events, theatrical productions, and cinematic screenings. The proposed plans also incorporate a new museum, a shop, and a restaurant, alongside the conversion of a substantial portion of the building—two-thirds of which is currently unoccupied—into residential flats. Furthermore, workshop spaces will be established for local artists to create and market their work. The Berwick Parade is scheduled for exhibition between 28 February and 2 March 2025.