Godiva Awakes

On Wednesday 1st August a 10 meter high puppet arrived in Milton Keynes on her way to the Olympic Games in London.

Powered by 100 cyclists, Godiva made her way from Bradwell Abbey to Campbell Park for a day of entertainment and activities with MK City Orchestra offering a free Proms In The Park performance in the evening.

Godiva was dressed in a beautifully handcrafted, intricately embroidered coat. The coat is adorned with images and text that tell the story of the rich history of the West Midlands and was created by an award winning team of regional textile and glass artists.

Godiva Awakes is a piece of public art the like of which has never been seen before; running on sustainable energy through cycle power Godiva will capture the imagination of the world, with the skill and ingenuity of our country.

On 28 July 2012, Imagineer Productions' 21st Century Godiva awoke in Coventry to a spectacular performance involving dancers, actors, aerialists, musicians, pyrotechnicians, carnivalists and 220 young people in a procession marking the unveiling of this Godiva for the modern age and she is journeying to London as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

A world class piece of public art, made by mechanics, artists, theatre makers, puppeteers and engineers to the highest standards of contemporary craftsmanship, Godiva Awakes is a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase our rich heritage and to support and develop the skills of a new generation of makers, performers and event producers.

THE JOURNEY

In tune with the Olympic spirit of courage and determination, Godiva’s journey to London is an epic challenge for the 100 cyclists who will power Godiva from her home town of Coventry in the West Midlands to London, home of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Leaving Coventry after the Awakening, Godiva’s cavalcade will travel to London via Rugby (30th July), Northampton (31st July), Milton Keynes (1st August), Luton (2nd August), Hatfield (3rd August), Waltham Abbey (4th August) arriving at Waltham on Sunday 5th August.

Godiva will rest overnight in each of the towns and celebrations will be held in each place to connect Godiva’s journey to the local community and link the host towns directly to the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad celebrations for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

CAMPBELL PARK FREE ENTERTAINMENT

11am - 4pm MK Play Partnership's National Playday featuring giant waterslide, Under 5s area, Challenging Play Activities, Sport and Dance, Woodland and Nature Play, Arts and Crafts and much more. Refreshments available. Children remain the responsibility of their parents/carers, no unsupervised under 8s, children may get wet or dirty. More details at www.facebook.com/mkplayday 

4pm Godiva Awakes Workshops - MK Gallery’s Learning Team hosts free family activities, including puppet making and magical stories

4pm - 4.30pm Godiva Awakes Parade from Bradwell Abbey to Campbell Park via CMK

4.30pm Adam Tunji - Afro-beat and Fusion Singers & Guitarists
5pm Rock Chorus - Choir
5.30pm Brewing Up - The premiere of local festival arts group Festive Road's new Inspire Mark accredited performance piece
6pm Sam Sallon - Soloist
6.30pm Sam Jenkins - Singer & dance performance
7pm Lydia Singer - Soloist
7.30pm Soul featuring Ellie Antonini - Urban Poet

8pm - 10pm Proms In The Park - MK City Orchestra (see seperate photo gallery)