Large numbers of people went to see the Fire Gardens in Platt Fields over the last three nights, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 28, 29 and 30 September 2006

Click here to view Platt Fields Fire Garden html slide show

Fire sculptures and burning artworks of all kinds were set up in the gardens off Wilmslow Road, next to Owens Park halls of residence. Visitors were enthralled by the sight of the flames, which lit up the ever darkening late September evening with a warm flickering glow.

There were several fire globes which consisted of a large circular frame with flames set in hanging flower pots. In another area of the gardens, a strange fire machine, controlled by ‘fire girl’ in a trilby hat, belched huge flames into the air.

In the Shakespearean Gardens, visitors walked among fire sculptures including wire frame cyclists, and braziers set up in the flower beds.

The organisers asked only for a donation of one pound. At the entrance there was a health and safety notice. Under-sixteens were not allowed in without an adult.

It’s surprising, and refreshing to see an event like this, given the current obsession with health and safety regulations. Despite the presence of more naked flames than in a bonfire night celebration, there appeared to be no incidents. St John ambulancemen were present, just in case.

The fire sculptures were conceived and built by Carabosse, a group of French artists sculptors, welders and musicians.

This is another event brought to us by Manchester International Arts www.streetsahead.org.uk.

And while we’re on the subject of fire, the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service can be found at www.manchesterfire.gov.uk.