Thousands at show to mark aquatic centre launch

Apr 18 2008 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

A SPECTACULAR display of fireworks and projections heralded the opening of Sunderland’s Aquatic Centre last night.

More than 5,000 people witnessed the outdoor show to celebrate the £20m centre next to the Stadium of Light.

First they watched an aerial gymnast swim through the air, suspended from a crane, down towards the centre as if she were diving into the centre through the roof.

A ripple effect was then projected on to the roof’s surface to mimic her entry into the water.

A series of images were then projected on to the building’s side charting Sunderland’s history in shipbuilding and mining, before performers shot water from specially adapted costumes against a backdrop of pyrotechnics.

Despite heavy rain, an impressed crowd stayed to make the customary noises to accompany a closing firework display.

Paul Dobson, director of community and cultural services at Sunderland City Council, said: “This is about celebrating the new building with the broader community.

“This means a lot for Sunderland in terms of sporting provision. It is obviously a potential training venue and we are looking ahead to the 2012 Olympics but, more importantly, the community will feel the impact.

“Having the centre here will also increase the number of events we can attract and bring more visitors to the area. We were asked to design an event for 10,000 people to come and see.”

In the centre, local swimmers, divers and synchronised swimmers performed for a smaller crowd to show the pool’s versatility.

Michael Dodds, the centre manager, said the evening was a success, despite the weather.

“Both indoors and out, it has been magnificent,” he said. “It has been a very special night for Sunderland”

The centre will be open from 6.30am today.