Giant play sculpture heads to Northumberland town

A giant interactive artwork is set to transform Blyth into a hands-on playground this summer as families are invited to get creative.

Playshapes will take over the town’s Market Pavilion from 11 to 16 August, giving children and adults the chance to build sculptures, obstacle courses, towers and other imaginative creations using large foam building blocks.

Created by Leeds-based contemporary artist Pippa Hale, the award-winning installation is designed to encourage creativity, collaboration and exploration.

Made up of precision-cut foam cubes that separate into different shapes, the artwork has no instructions or fixed outcome, allowing visitors to create something new with every visit.

Inspired by the work of sculptor Isamu Noguchi and the educational principles of Froebel Gifts, Playshapes promotes open-ended play by encouraging participants to experiment with shape, colour and three-dimensional design.

The free attraction will be open throughout the six-day event, with visitors invited to drop in and build their own creations before the installation is transformed by the next group of participants.

Councilor Mark Peart, mayor of Blyth Town Council, said: “We’re delighted to bring Playshapes to Blyth as part of our summer programme. 

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy free creative play together while experiencing an internationally recognised piece of interactive public art. 

“Every visit will be different because every structure is created by the imagination of the people taking part.”

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