From 1st to 3rd November 2019, in a world exclusive, Calais will be celebrating the arrival of The Dragon with a unique and exciting show.
Created by La Machine, The Dragon has been designed especially for Calais and is the largest and most advanced machine ever built by the urban project company.
La Machine
La Machine is a non-profit organisation dedicated to developing projects in the field of urban development. The company, led by François Delarozière, comprises of artists, technicians and theatre designers who work together to construct unusual theatre objects. Their work has appeared in many cities around the world, including Nantes, Ottowa and Liverpool.
Learn more about La Machine here.
The Dragon before its arrival in Calais. Credit: Fred Collier – Ville de Calais
The show
The Dragon, made of steel and carved wood, will be on parade during three days of celebration for all the visitors and residents of Calais and the region. Each day, a spectacular inaugural show will take place through the streets of Calais and will feature actors, musicians and lights in a sensational display for all to see. This ongoing spectacle will culminate on the Sunday with a breath-taking display and performance on the Seafront.
The Future
After the Inaugural Celebrations, The Dragon of Calais will stay at La Cité provisoire, on the newly renovated Seafront. From December 17th onwards, the public will be able to enjoy rides in a carriage on the back of The Dragon through the city. Each ride will take about 30 minutes and can have up to 50 passengers at a time.
La Cité provisoire will have a food court and souvenir shop and will also offer a fascinating, ‘behind the scenes’ guided tour of The Dragon’s mechanics and technology.
A glimpse of the inner workings of the Dragon. Credit: Pauline David – Cie La Machine
Useful Information
Calais city centre can be accessed via the A16 motorway, interchanges 43, 44 and 46.
Don’t stop at Calais, explore the wider Cote d’Opale region, here’s 5 ideas to get your road trip started.
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