Member Article

Experience Barbados via Manchester

Michelle Keegan was in Manchester on Friday - dipping her toes in Bajan waters - see more here: http://youtu.be/wywOPX7cDhU

A mysterious tunnel yesterday appeared in central Manchester, connecting the city to the alluring Caribbean island of Barbados. The ‘tunnel’ - an interactive illusion commissioned by Virgin Holidays - gave city goers a chance to glimpse Barbados, complete with the gentle wafting scent of Pina Coladas and the sound of steel drums. Ex-Corrie beauty Michelle Keegan even popped by to dip her toes into the Caribbean waters.

The world’s first 4D tunnel brought the sights, sounds and smells of a stunning Bajan beach within touching distance for Mancunians, who spent the day taking beach selfies and enjoying a rare bit of tropical paradise.

Recently departed Corrie star Michelle commented: “Wow - I felt as if I could just jump through the tunnel straight to the beautiful beach! I love Barbados and can’t wait to visit again. Its fantastic that Virgin has brought a Bajan beach, and the music and scents of the Caribbean directly to Manchester.”

Joe Hill from 3D Joe and Max - who created the tunnel commented:

“For the first time ever, we brought 4D elements into our work, you can smell and hear Barbados, plus the added beauty of Michelle Keegan really brought the illusion to life. The work was huge - 35 square meters and took a couple of weeks to create. The video hows how we use perspective to create the impression that you could ‘walk into’ the mural.”

Carly Reed from Virgin Holidays agreed:

“It was amazing to be able to bring a little bit of Barbados to Manchester - the time lapse footage shows how it all came together and the amazing reactions of passers by when we revealed the tunnel. We just wish we could jump right through!

“Locals can easily enjoy the real Barbados for themselves thanks to our direct holidays from Manchester - now that the tunnel is sadly closed up!”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Smoking Gun PR .