Explore secret subterranean London by torchlight

MEDIA RELEASE COURTESY OF: Illumini

Illumini Event 2010 presents ‘Secret Subterranean London’. Have you ever wondered what secret tunnels and buildings are hidden under the city streets? An Invitation to explore the 'secret labyrinths’ beneath the streets of London, by torchlight. Take an illuminating art journey, through the history of subterranean London. The Exhibition, with over 50 artists, re-creates many of London’s underground secrets, with illuminating art, props and historical information on these hidden underground gems of our city. Find out the secret doors which unfold vast vaults and tunnels.

Illumini Event 2010 will be held in an underground rustic location in London, and promises to be an exciting and historical look into the history of the secret underground city. The old rustic subterranean dark labyrinth, with its many rooms, alleyways and cells, will be transformed by artists’ and prop makers into several areas of historical underground London, e.g: World War bunkers, disused stations, crypts, historical waterways and many more, the long-forgotten hidden secrets of London.

The event will start with a grand opening night, which you are invited too with free entertainment; where everyone is welcome. Live acts: stilt walkers, light shows, magicians, illuminating dancers, tarot reading, travel back in time with historical costumed performers, and much more. We hope to see you there. Please arrive early to avoid queues. Opening night Thursday 9th Sept 2010 Free 6pm-10pm.

During the event there will be free workshops, talks about secrets that are hidden in London’s underground by a number of special guests: from authors, historians and museums and even Subterranean tours, with venues being opened to the public for this event only. These include The Grand entrance hall of Brunel's Thames Tunnel, where Illumini will present artists, Genetic Moo to be the first artists to exhibit in this unique space for over 140 years, with their light installation. Another Tour will include a torch lit tour of Shoreditch Church Crypt, known as Shakespeares church. Also including a tour on street level, that shows hidden secret doors and entrances to underground gems. There will also be talks on the occult history of London, and ghosts that explore the vaults at night.To view the event program and book tours and talks please click here.

Illumini also wanted to provide a free service to creative individuals, by offering free artist talks and creative workshops and has invited many well known art organisations to provide informative service at Illumini. Click here for more details and booking details.

You can even take your own personal tour, by using a clever application for mobile phones, designed by Illumini Artists’ Martin Rieser & collaborating artists Ximena Alarcon & Kasia Molga. 'Riverians' uses GPS and QR code reading. With this application, you can discover the hidden underground world which corresponds to real underground locations in Shoreditch – aligned with the sites of past events such as the Ripper murders – and then use the Riverain's overheard tales to map those sites and find clues and directions to others. All on your own mobile!

For a full list of artists and performers please click here.

Title: Illumini Event 2010 presents ‘Secret Subterranean London’
curated by Jane Webb
Venue: The Basement Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, London, EC1V 9LT
Dates: 10th Sept 2010 - 15th Sept Open daily 11am-7pm Free
Opening night: Thursday 9th September 6pm – 10pm. Everyone welcome free
Website http://www.illuminievent.co.uk