Pheonix Square

The swanky new digital media centre in Leicester is set to open its doors tomorrow. For those who want to have a sneeky peak  mosy over to Phoenix Square this evening between 2pm and 11pm.  Pheonix Square will be open to the public with an Open House of sights and sounds going-on throughout the building, walk around and check out the range of facilities the big, shiny, new building has to offer.

There’s a chance to experience  ground-breaking 3D technology, view a collection of short silent films, a special effects “Green Screen” that transports you into different environments, and a terrific re-imaging of Andy Warhol’s notorious 1960’s sound ‘n’ light show entitled ‘The Exploding Plastic and Inevitable Redux’. As a special treat especially for the opening there is also a giant outdoor projection from 4pm and, if that’s not enough, all this is topped off with a great cafebar serving a selection of high quality food and drinks.

I wonder how many reporters are going say something along the lines of ‘the Phoenix has risen’ but you won’t catch me doing that, no sir. I am going to be exceptional and truly original and say…..um…..the Phoenix has landed?

Its hard to believe that the old Phoenix only closed its doors six months ago. I don’t know about you but I have felt a bit film culture starved since. The Cinema Delux in  Highcross may be beautiful and has made going to the cinema a treat rather than a form of torture that would be endured at other venues but it doesn’t offer those art house gems that the Phoenix would. You know the type, usually in a foreign language, most likely contain various story strands happening at the same time and then abruptly ends leaving the fate of the main characters up to interpretation and debate. Some may say these are pretentious, I think they are wonderful. But as of tomorrow its back and better than ever. The first highlight for myself is Zombie Fest on the 28th, a full day of zombie goodies, just what I need to keep my mind off the winter blues. If the undead munching away on brains is not your thing the full line up of films can be seen at phoenix.org.uk

On top of this there is a list of items I could gush about but I won’t because I don’t have time, instead I will list them. The DMU cube = A-MAY-ZING (a stunning art space), new work spaces that are being run by the lovely folk at the LCB Depot, recording and design studios that can be hired by the public, a beautiful cafe, an incredibly versatile 30 seater cinema which can also be hired by the public, a selection of beautiful apartments that range from studios to 3 bedroom beauties and a communal out door space which will be used for art installations and special film screenings.

You can find Phoenix Square at Phoenix Square, Midland Street,  Leicester
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