I approached the lake to hear lots of “oohs” and “aahs” coming from the heaving crowd. Both banks of the water were packed with people watching in awe as a giant inflatable sphere moved along the water. Inside the sphere, a man was suspended in the centre. It slowly became clear that the beautiful haunting music we were hearing from the speakers was being played on a flute by the suspended man. 

Everyone watched in awe trying to work out how this amazing spectacle was achieved. The stunning light display bouncing off the sphere and reflecting beautifully on the water created a surreal ballet. There’s nothing like listening in on other people’s reactions to gauge how popular an event is and judging by some of the comments I heard (“How absolutely extraordinary!”) this one was definitely a crowd pleaser. 

My favourite overheard quote of the night though has to be from one very happy but confused young woman who turned to her friends perplexed and said, “There’s someone in a giant bubble. How is this happening?” I’m afraid I don’t have the answer to that but it was absolutely stunning to watch.


Lesley Pinder