The thirty minute event saw local dancers and performers join other professionals to give the attending crowds a fantastic performance that included a large scale light-projection, projected on the side of the building, which had a very aquatic theme.

After witnessing aerialist and choreographer Chantal McCormick ‘swim’ suspended 600 ft across the night sky, the crowd saw her plunge ‘into’ the animation which portrayed an artistic interpretation of the city’s history based on the River Wear, its maritime links and proud industrial heritage – produced by ETC UK – as specialist, large-scale projection company.

Meanwhile, and accompanied by rousing music and a light show, young performers, including local dancers from Sunderland and Newcastle, entertained on-lookers with a ‘Hydromania’ performance created by Avanti Display, experts in the street theatre and particularly the use of water in unusual ways. The specially adapted costumes shot jets of water up to 15m in the air, which, combined with the lights and pyrotechnics provided a magnificent spectacle.

Local dancers, outdoor theatre and fireworks added to the atmosphere giving the audience a night to remember and of a quality and scale never before seen in the city.

The event has been organised by Magnetic Events in collaboration with Sunderland City Council and Culture10 at NewcastleGateshead Initiative.

Said Paul Dobson Director of Community and Cultural Services at Sunderland City Council: "The opening of one of the country's top sporting facilities in Sunderland is very much something to be celebrated.

"The Sunderland Aquatic Centre not only offers fantastic facilities for the people of the city, it is a unique regional and national sporting venue.

"This event was a fitting celebration to launch the Centre which will have a positive impact on the city and its people, with benefits ranging from a boost to the local economy as a result of additional visitors to helping local people improve their health and wellbeing."

Stella Hall, Creative Director of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “Sunderland has a lot to celebrate with this world class facility. This free opening outdoor transformed the new building in a truly unique way. We are proud that it is part of our world-class festivals and events programme for 2008.”

Said Robin Morley, Director, Magnetic Events: "Were commissioned by Sunderland City Council to create a unique large scale launch event with wow factor to mark and celebrate the opening of this landmark building."

"All of this would not have been made possible, without the talented and committed local people working with Magnetic Events as performers, sporting athletes and event organisers behind the scenes."

The event is part of North East England’s world class festivals and events programme managed by Culture10 based at NewcastleGateshead Initiative. It is funded by One NorthEast and TyneWear Partnership with additional funding from Sunderland City Council.

Sunderland Aquatic Centre is officially open to the public from April 18.

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last updated 21/04/08