Immersive ‘Sound Walk’ Audio Experience Coming To London Street
A new immersive sound walk for Reading by artists Aundre Goddard and Richard Bentley will help people discover the magic of their local high street for Heritage Open Days, 10-19 September 2021.
Historic England has been working with the National Trust and Sound UK to bring hidden histories and stories to life across six High Street Heritage Action Zones.
‘A Reading of London Street’ is part of a series of self-guided, immersive sound walks to take listeners on a journey of discovery. It tells the story of the community at the heart of London Street, taking in well-known local landmarks including the Central Club, Global Café and Great Expectations Pub.
Local voices will tell stories of the street’s community, food and vibrant night life while imagined characters from the times of Charles Dickens, Dr Addington, and Huntley & Palmer biscuit makers are brought to life. The vibrant musical heritage of London Street and echoes of the past will be woven into the walk, creating an evocative experience.
Listeners will take a self-guided route at their own pace, starting at the Black History Mural and ending up at Bakery House, supported by an illustrated map.
High Street Sound Walks are available via the Historic England website from 10 September: listen any time via your smartphone or other personal device. HistoricEngland.org.uk/SoundWalks
Artists Aundre Goddard and Richard Bentley said: "After speaking with local residents it really hits how much London Street means to everyone. This area was a hub rich in culture, history and good vibes. Giving residents the opportunity to carve themselves into Reading's history and contribute to British identity is such an honour.”
Ellen Harrison, Head of Creative Programmes and Campaigns, Historic England, said: “We hope our High Street Sound Walks will enable people to slow down, pause and reflect, and to experience their familiar environment in a new way. The audio walk aims to connect listeners with the people and places, past and present, that have made their local high street what it is today, transforming the everyday into something enlightening and new.”
Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Culture, Heritage and Recreation, said: “I am delighted that the fascinating history and rich diversity of the London Road will be brought to life through the sound walk and it is perfect timing to launch during Reading’s Heritage Open Days week in September.
“We are really pleased Historic England has chosen to support this innovative local project and include it in their hidden histories series. It is also the perfect complement to the other exciting art projects we’ve launched along the Oxford Road in west Reading, as part of our wider High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) programme.”
‘A Reading of London Street’ has been produced in association with CultureMix, Readipop and Reading Borough Council.
High Street Sound Walks is a commission by Historic England, National Trust and Heritage Open Days with support from the players of People’s Postcode Lottery and produced by Sound UK. It is part of the High Streets Heritage Action Zones Cultural Programme, led by Historic England, which aims to make our high streets more attractive, engaging and vibrant places for people to live, work and spend time.
The six sound walks are centred on Redruth (Cornwall), Hull (Yorkshire), Great Yarmouth (Norfolk), Grantham (Lincolnshire), Barrow (Cumbria), and Reading.
