By Tom Degun in London 

SECRETS Hidden_London_Northala_credit_ForM_associatesAugust 20 - Environmental arts group Red Earth have transformed Northala Fields, the award-winning country-style park in London, with a series of stunning natural greenwood sculptures for a special Paralympic Flame celebration.

After England's Paralympic Flame is lit on Wednesday (August 22) at the summit of Scafell Pike, it will be transported in a miner's lantern to London for special celebrations on Friday (August 24).

The arrival of the Flame in London will spark an evening celebration at Northala Field's conical hills at 8:00pm where Red Earth's sculpture project titled Northala will take centre stage.

The Northala project itself has been led by artistic directors Caitlin Easterby and Simon Pascoe while it is part of the Mayor of London Presents programme.

The Mayor's programme sees artists and performers transforming hidden and lesser known locations throughout the city.

It is part of the London 2012 Festival which is the 12-week nationwide celebration running from June 21 to September 9 to celebrate the Olympics and Paralympics.

Northala Fields_2Members of Red Earth prepare the sculptures part of the Northala project ready to display to the public at the Northala Fields, London

"Throughout this summer, we have been celebrating some of London's hidden gems; bringing them to life and to the forefront of people's minds, allowing them to discover the city in new and surprising lights," said Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

"We are encouraging people to come out to experience the mythical magic of Northala to get acquainted with one of London's lesser-known – but nonetheless stunning – locations here in Ealing.

"The event atop the hills on August 24 will not only bring the enchanting spirit of the 2012 Games to life, but ignite a renewed passion for the outdoor arts."

Northala Fields, the site where the sculptures stand, was constructed from the debris of the old Wembley Stadium.

Northala FieldsOne of the sculptures created by environmental artgroup Red Earth at the Northala Fields

The three towers created by Red Earth are made of sustainable coppiced ash and willow wood sourced from nearby Horsenden Hill.

Each is inspired by world architecture, including the minarets of Ghazni and Jam in Afghanistan, to represent a global gathering of cultures and connection with the four corners of the earth.

The structures also reflect the skyline of mosques, temples and high-rise towers visible from Northala Hills themselves.

The sculptures will be on display for the public to visit until August 27 while the Paralympic Flame celebrations on Wednesday will see music performed by Red Earth's artists.

"I would encourage anyone to go and visit this spectacular event and enjoy the atmosphere created by the Paralympic Flame in what will be a night to remember," added Cultural Olympiad and London 2012 Festival director Ruth Mackenzie.

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