Thousands turn out for Cabot Circus opening
People lined the metal railings that ran from The Podium in Broadmead to the new shopping centre entrance.
The focal point of the square was a large black stage, surrounded by spires up to 20ft high.
The 15 spires, of concrete and metal, are the latest installation at the square, which has been a building site for the last few months in preparation for yesterdays grand opening.
Further adding to the spectacle were four drummers wearing uniform black and white suits, placed on the roofs of the shops that corner the square, Vodaphone, Curries, the recently moved New Look and BHS.
Mostly young people dressed in labelled street clothes, they performed a range of styles from break dancing to tumbling, and catapulted themselves over the Podiums furniture to the audiences delight.
They were followed by people dressed in hi-vis Cabot Circus jackets, carrying the shopping centre banners into the centre.
Over their acrobatics, Giovanni rolled off a list of Bristol wards, presumably where the dancers had come from.
Montpelier, St Judes, Totterdown, St Paul's, Horfield, Eastville, Knowle, and Lawrence Hill were all reeled off to large cheers.
Lest we forgot we were all there for the launch of a shopping centre, the master of ceremonies then pronounced: "Friends, Romans, West Countrymen and shoppers.
"See the greatest show on Earth.
"Follow me now, to the greatest shops on Earth."
And with that he and the dancers proceeded towards Cabot Circus, with the crowds dutifully following.
The launch event was directed by Mark Murphy, an award-winning director and filmmaker, who has previously delivered the opening night ceremonies for the Manchester Commonwealth Games and Liverpool Capital of Culture launch.
Speaking before the performance, Mark explained he had envisioned a circus theme with a modern twist, that was continued with acrobatic and aerial displays in Cabot Circus itself.
Back at the Podium there were a series of performances throughout the day, from performance groups Sid & Nancy La Poubelle and The Hole Job.
Those who witnessed the grand opening certainly seemed impressed, and were generally looking forward to the shopping centres launch.
Peter Edmonds, 75 of Wrington, said: "The procession was quite attractive and filled in the time before the shops actually opened.
"I've never been to the opening of a mall so I had no idea what to expect.
"I'm looking forward to a new experience."
Andrew Smith, 55 of Knowle, said: "I didn't know what to expect, but my wife and I came down to a little rekkie and see what it was all about."
Brian Thompson, 77 of Hanham, had come down specially for the opening ceremony and thought it was exciting.
He said: "It was great to see all those kids enjoy themselves.
"I think it's going to be a good thing for Bristol, it's the greatest city in the country anyway and this will make it even more prosperous."
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