Peace Camp

So I’d heard about this even that was happening at Downhill beach with these glowing orange tents and that there was something to do with poetry. I didn’t really take much initial interest in it however because I didn’t think any of my friends would be interested in going, and I didn’t want to go on my own.

Anyhow, I got a tweet from Miceal about it and got rather excited that he also wanted to go and explore this event. So Miceal, Caroline and I went to Downhill beach on Saturday night on a little adventure.

It was actually really weird but awesome at the same time. After a short wait in a queue to see these glowing tents we got to experience ‘the magic’ as the helper described it.

It was so trippy! While you walk through the tents you listen to a massive soundscape. This included instruments, chimes, croaks, laughs, poetry and stories, all coupled with the natural sounds of the wind and the water on the beach. It was truly amazing! We arrived at 10.30pm and didn’t leave until after 3.00am. We were enjoying listening to the sounds so much and taking pictures that we didn’t notice time flying by.

Above is the view of the Camp from Mussenden Temple on the cliff above Downhill beach. There was also a single tent place in the temple that played similar soundscape material. 

The aim of the Peace Camp was to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic Games and was inspired by the Olympic Truce, which encourages The Games to be peaceful. 7 other camps just like this one were also set up simultaneously all over the UK and were only available to visit during night-time hours from 9.30pm to 5.30am. The soundscapes involved a lot of ‘love poems’ that have been contributed by people all over the UK who could suggest poems, send in there own or even send a recording of themselves reading it to be used.

I must say, I am VERY grateful to have witnessed something so original and inspiring. It truly was magical.