Area 51 unleashed legions of zombies on Britain’s second city as Birmingham took a hammering of Halloween horror.
The Area 51 special ops brigade transformed the enormous collective of venues and art spaces in Birmingham into a heartland of horror for what’s considered to be the UK’s largest-ever event of its kind.
Delivering eye-popping décor and a huge team of entertainers to “The Haunting” happening held at the Rainbow Venues spread-eagled throughout the city’s epicentre of arts and culture, Digbeth, the 51ers created a wicked impact.
With two street closures needed to help create a safe environment for revellers, this really was a huge spectacle for the old Celtic festival of Samhain. Area 51 despatched a myriad of leading street entertainers and circus acts to further enhance the amazing décor they created, including a huge haunted castle frontage and innumerable other props and visuals.
The Area 51 crew coordinated an impressive programme of entertainment inside a large big top tent that was erected in a car park and among the featured acts were Gina and Jacqueline, the Morales Sisters, courtesy of Gandey’s Circus who wowed punters with a show stealing brilliant circus double-act including an incredible globe walking routine with fire. There were many other artists involved in aerial displays, contortion, fire performances and walkabouts including stilt-walkers.
Drummer Jamie Oliver from punk band The UK Subs took to the stage to take part while Area 51 regulars Matt Lemon and Klas Tacer appeared revived Heath Ledger’s ghastly Joker character for additional creepiness.
Outstanding and extensive make up helped to ham up the horror to new heights came from a talented team that included Sonia Parra, Siobhan Harper Ryan and Joanna Strange.
Images courtesy of Edward Sideshow Taylor.
