A giant moon replica set up on a waterway in Bridgwater in Somerset took a tumble in the severe winds of Storm Ashley. The installation, known as the ‘Fallen Moon’ and created by artist Luke Jerram, had been a source of wonder for over 10,000 visitors to the Bridgwater Docks since its unveiling earlier in the week.
The Bridgwater Town Council expressed regret on Sunday as they announced the deflation of the moon replica due to what was described as “extreme weather conditions” and technical difficulties. The council assured the public that they were investigating the cause of the malfunction and assessing the extent of the damage, emphasizing the safety of visitors and the integrity of the artwork.
Originally scheduled to be on display until 3rd November, the 10-metre diameter replica moon was a marvel, created using data from NASA. Each centimetre of the sculpture represented 3.5 kilometres of the lunar landscape, making it 350,000 times smaller than the actual moon. Accompanied by musical compositions from award-winning composer Dan Jones, the installation was a unique blend of visual and auditory artistry.
In a statement, Mr. Jerram mentioned that the exhibition had to be shortened due to the technical issues and the impact of Storm Ashley, expressing gratitude for the support received during the artwork’s presence in the town. Bridgwater Docks, the chosen site for the replica moon, was intended to be the first venue for the installation in the UK as part of a larger regeneration project costing £5.2 million.
Storm Ashley wreaked havoc across the region, bringing 70mph winds, heavy rainfall, and causing safety concerns that led to the cancellation of the Great South Run. Flight operations were affected, and the River Severn overflowed, causing flooding in Worcester. The incident serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the need for resilience in the face of extreme weather events.