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Great North Star (2018)

Great North Star was the closing ceremony of the Great Exhibition of the North. The event commemorated the 100 year anniversary of women getting the vote and told the stories of strong women fighting for equality from the suffragettes to Kathryn Switzer, the first woman to run a marathon. Ending the Great Exhibition, and leading Newcastle Gateshead into the 2018 Great North Run, the ceremony was performed by narrators Charlie Hardwick and Julie Hesmondhalgh and a 100 strong community cast joined and lead by the wonderful Ballet Lorent. Directed by Bradley Hemmings (Great Millionth Runner, Paralympics opening ceremony 2012), designed by Becca Brower with lighting design from Phil Supple and projection by Zsolt Balogh the event really was something to behold.

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This outdoor performance featured female sporting legends Paula Radcliffe, Tanni Grey-Thompson,  Rosa Mota, Ingrid Kristianson and Kathrine Switzer and included live performances from Lesley Garratt, Ibinabo Jack, Rise and Grace Davies and was streamed live by the BBC as well as being broadcast as part of the coverage of the Great North CityGames.

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You can watch the event here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-england-tyne-45296082

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Images: Richard Kenworthy

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