ESCH2022 “Remix Future” Opening Events

The official launch of the European Capital of Culture Esch2022 took place in February 2022. Under the motto of REMIX FUTURE, Battle Royal Studios developed an unconventional opening ceremony. It was designed to bring people from local communities together and thereby to forge and reinforce a cultural identity in the long term beyond the cultural year.

The event was designed as a complex journey in the style of a secret mission. The guests were the driving force behind the experience, by solving puzzles and participating in generating so-called co-creation energy for the region. The highlight of the evening was the launching of augmented reality rockets, which had been submitted by more than 800 pupils as part of an art competition – with the common goal of “remixing” the future.

Over 100 local musicians came together for the concert entitled “Future Frequencies”, presenting a mix of different genres and styles. A further highlight was a video message from the International Space Station (ISS).

Public participation was the focus of the event – both online and offline. A show narrated in parallel across two main stages carried the evening, while visitors embarked on an eventful scavenger hunt on site, supported by 200 volunteers. Surveys and live interaction tools incorporated digital viewers online.

Live music, DJ sets, dance performances, videomappings, light installations and a wide range of immersive activations brought the region to life. Under conditions that complied with COVID regulations, around 18,000 guests were welcomed on site and a further 14,000 online.