The City Wakes, a major multi-media celebration of Cambridge's psychedelic hero Syd Barrett, will take place this autumn.

Premiering in Syd’s hometown of Cambridge, before transferring to London, The City Wakes is an ambitious insight into the early life of the original leader of Pink Floyd, organised by arts and mental health charity and professional production house Escape Artists, which will celebrate the creative mind of this fascinating figure.

The series of exciting events has the full support of Syd’s family and friends. Highlights will include:

• Concert performances presenting fresh interpretations of Syd’s greatest songs. Directed by award-winning musician and composer, Simon Gunton, the production will showcase specially-created video art and stunning Floyd-esque lighting displays and will culminate in a one-off gala performance of the concert.
  
  An early work

• An exhibition of Syd Barrett paintings including many never seen before works, displayed alongside extremely rare Syd Barrett related memorabilia, original pieces from Pink Floyd’s legendary designer Storm Thorgerson, and archival photos from world-famous photographer Mick Rock.

• A new book of interviews and memorabilia, based on the memories and collections of Syd's friends and family. Focussing on Syd's early life and the exciting Cambridge cultural scene in which he was such a key figure, the book includes interviews, photos, drawings and letters that have never been seen in print before.

• Special guided tours for fans of all the major Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd-related historic sites in Cambridge.

• Music workshops under the expert eye of The City Wakes Musical Director, Simon Gunton offering members of the public the opportunity to explore the surreal genius behind Syd’s wonderfully unorthodox music and lyrics.

• A recreation of a 1960s-style ‘happening’ – directed and hosted by a group of Syd’s former friends.
  
  

• Storm Thorgerson’s first ever solo exhibition in Cambridge. Mind Over Matter: Images of Pink Floyd will contain photographs of over 60 of Storm’s Pink Floyd/Syd Barrett related works.

The City Wakes tribute to Syd Barrett is supported by his friends and family. Friends of Syd’s who are contributing to the project include Pink Floyd’s long-time art collaborator Storm Thorgerson, Syd’s famous photo-biographer Mick Rock, internationally renowned stage craftsman Stephen Pyle, actor and author Matthew Scurfield and Syd’s close friend David Gale.

Beat poet and author William Pryor, film director Nigel Lesmoir-Gordon and film maker and internationally renowned glass artist Anthony Stern will also be involved. The City Wakes is a chance for the City of Cambridge, and Syd Barrett fans from all over the world to pay tribute to a very special talent.

Syd’s sister Rosemary Breen said:

‘I am thrilled to be involved in this project. Syd, my brother, was someone for whom creativity was as necessary as breathing. His music and painting were such an integral part of his being that without them he couldn’t function.’

Escape Artists’ Director and Producer of The City Wakes, Matthew Taylor commented:

‘It's a great privilege to be involved in this project. Syd Barrett's breakthrough hits for Pink Floyd made a big impression on me when I was young. I never thought, some forty years later, that I'd be able to assist in bringing those songs to new audiences and in helping to stage an exhibition of Syd's paintings in his hometown. The fact that this is all happening in Cambridge, the city in which the Pink Floyd story began, and that so many of Syd's old friends are getting back together, through The City Wakes, to celebrate his achievements, only adds to the unique and special nature of the events.’

The City Wakes Musical Director, Simon Gunton, commented:

‘Syd was an unbelievably talented musician and to be able to work with his songs is a real honour. It seems to me that one of the great things about Syd was that he never played a song quite the same way twice. It’s amazing to be able to carry on that tradition; the insight and creative input of the mental health care service users with whom I’m working has been just incredible and his given me a whole new perspective on Syd’s music.’

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