SEE MONSTER Awakening

Download the "SEE MONSTER Awakening" press release (PDF).

More details are announced today about the free public events programme that kicks off during August Bank Holiday weekend, as SEE MONSTER’s transformation continues at the iconic Tropicana, in Weston-super-Mare.

‘The Awakening’ marks the emergence of the monster as it changes from a decommissioned
North Sea offshore platform into one of the UK’s biggest art installations. Beachside events will begin with three free drone shows, which will fill the night-time sky on Sunday 28 August, Tuesday 30 August and Thursday 1 September, created by the award-winning studio SKYMAGIC, whose work includes the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and London New Year’s Eve. These magical moments will illuminate the story of SEE MONSTER and its journey from the North Sea to Weston-super-Mare, along with tales of reuse, renewables, and the great British weather.

Over the following weeks, ‘The Transformation’ can be witnessed from the newly built Viewing Platform, situated inside the Tropicana. During this time, people will see the decommissioned offshore platform evolve, as it is rehabilitated with an oasis of grasses, plants and trees selected to thrive in a seaside microclimate; shimmering scales made up of 6,000 pieces that form the kinetic façade; artist-designed experiments in renewable energy generation; and a seated amphitheatre, from which the coastline and Wales may be seen from the telescopes onboard.

SEE MONSTER’s Studio will also open in partnership with BBC Radio Bristol who will be broadcasting regular shows from the SEE MONSTER site, piloting new pop-up studio technology. This space will also be used by national and international broadcasters, content creators and educators, to tell stories of the monster’s themes.

SEE MONSTER’s roar will be heard when the waterfall begins its cascade in September, along with the unique lighting design, which will mark the next phase for this one-of-a-kind immersive public art installation.

By the end of September, visitors will be able to climb onboard this 35-metre beast of the sea, be immersed in clouds as they enter the Cellar, and witness renewable technologies in the Garden Lab, before reaching the pinnacle of the monster at the Helideck - a space that will reveal hitherto unseen coastal views.