News, Manchester
A parade of life-sized wooden safari animal puppets has wowed crowds in Manchester as it passed through the city.
The Herds aims to symbolise the animals’ flight from climate disaster, according to The Walk Productions, which is behind the large scale public art.
The elephants, giraffes, antelope, and lions are made from upscaled or recyclable cardboard and plywood.
They arrived in the city just after 18:00 BST and will move to Heywood and Leigh in subsequent days.
The animals began their 12,400m (20,000km) journey in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in April and are now moving north through European towns and cities.
Volunteers in each area take on the role of puppeteers.
The parade made its way through Cathedral Gardens, Corporation Street and Market Street.
‘The movement was wonderful’
Mat Trewern/Rochelle Dodson and Eva Barker were impressed by the puppetry.
Ms Dodson said: “It was wonderful – the movement was realistic especially with the fact they are made out of cardboard.
“The giraffes eyes really looked at you.”
Ms Barker added: “I thought it was great – not sure I was aware of a message.”
EPA‘The puppeteers are working hard’
Mat Trewern/Danielle who came with her daughter Poppy to watch the spectacle said: “I thought it was great – I just like the intricate details on the chimpanzees.”
She said it was so entertaining but she thought the eco-friendly message was not particularly clear.
“I think they should have had some information or someone telling that story – if you look it up it is a beautiful message,” she said.
“It was really funny there was a guy with a dog on his shoulder who said ‘this is great but what is it all about?'”
Poppy added: “They are really big and the puppet people are so hard working.”
‘Unbelievable experience’
Debbie, who came with her three children, Patti, Gracie and Kit was amazed by the experience.
“The puppets were incredible – I really liked the way they were moving,” she said.
“When they came towards us it was unbelievable.”
Daughter Pattie added; “I thought they were really cool – I really liked the zebras.”
EPAOnce The Herds leaves Greater Manchester, it will next travel through Scandinavia to the Arctic Circle.
The Herds parade marked the start of Manchester International Festival, which first took place in 2007.
The Walk Productions also created in 2019 the journey of Little Amal, a 12ft high puppet of a Syrian refugee child.
