In December 2023, friends of Gerry's Pompeii including supporters and partners were invited to board the Electric Barge. Along the voyage they heard more about what the organisation has been up to and our upcoming plans for the organisation including the long-term vision of acquiring a wide beam boat to provide access to Gerry's. Along the route musicians, Gentle Stranger and friends had been commissioned to respond to Gerry's Pompeii and appeared with musical interruptions at several points along the journey. The boat arrived to a magically lit Pompeii (thanks to Ann and Pat's electricity supply) and to a new song performed by Gentle Stranger that was inspired by one of Gerry's sculptures 'Fish Boy'. Those aboard the boat, disembarked, following the band via long-term allies, Nick and Alison's house where fellow neighbours Julia and PK were wishing everyone a Verry Gerry Christmas. Armed with mulled wine and wearing as many sparkles as possible, the crowd processed out onto the road where Gentle Stranger were gathering more members of Hormead Road to lead them to no. 1.
Hormeader, Ann had initiated a ‘Decorate Your Door’ competition with original door decor visible from the road. Some members of the parade wore costumes that they'd devised in artist-led workshops a few weeks before at Paddington Arts. The parade culminated at neighbour Roc's house with delicious 'Pompeii Porn Star and Shamrock Green' cocktails generously donated by X Muse Vodka. The decorate your door contest prizes were awarded by artist Louise Ashcroft (crowning winners with 'Quality Street’ crowns and tiara's made by neighbour Zelda). The finale was to the tune of members of legendary local steel band the Metronomes.
Thank you so much to X Muse Vodka for your generous donation, to Golborne Medical GP Surgery and the Golborne Living Collective for their support, to Wates and Travis Perkin for your support, to David for his delicious Winery. Thank you to the Electric Barge's incredible team, to Gentle Stranger & friends and to the Metronomes for your incredible music and energies. Thank you to Jane and the incredible Gerry's Pompeii Trustees and Advisory Group.
Hugely grateful to Nick & Alison and Roc, Savannah, Lazer and Isla for inviting everyone into your homes, the Verry Gerry Christmas Helpers, Pat, Joana, Ann, Elaine, Zelda, Makawi, Jess, Lottie, Niklas, Vera, Nadia, Alex, Arthur, Mary, Charlotte, Jessie, Con, Anna Rose, Cordelia and vitally to our completely incredible supporters, without which we couldn't have made any of this year's programming possible. A big shout out to Tamsin, Jon, John, Jane & James!
Film shot and edited by Jack Finn Taylor (c)
