Underwater sound coming to Leith pool

Published on Monday 14 July 2008 10:20

THE UK's first underwater sound festival is coming to a swimming pool in Leith.

Swimmers will be able to listen to music and feel the sounds underwater as they take the plunge at Leith Victoria Leisure Centre.

The organisers of Wet Sounds 2008 have described it as a "mobile gallery for sound art", with work by artists and musicians around the world.

They say sounds are perceived differently underwater, as sound travels four times quicker than it does through air. The vibrations can be perceived by the bones and body, giving a relaxing sensation which is similar to a flotation tank.

A spokesman for the exhibition said: "The average person does not get to experience sound art as it is generally reserved for a niche audience in a gallery.

"Wet Sounds makes sound art accessible to the public through a unique listening experience.

"As part of the normal public pool admission, the audience floats or dives through water immersed in sound."

Edinburgh Leisure's head of operations, Ken Harvey, said: "Swimming can be a great way to relax and de-stress, as can listening to music, so it makes perfect sense to combine the two together."

The work, created in London, is touring the country and will be at Leith Victoria tomorrow between 4pm and 7pm.