Giant Animal Puppet Migration Set to Storm London for a Good Cause
A herd of giant puppet animals is set to parade through London this weekend as part of ‘The Herds,’ a project highlighting environmental issues. Starting from Kinshasa, the puppets represent animals impacted by habitat loss and climate change. The events will include interactive performances and community involvement across various London venues. This unique initiative is one-time only in the city before continuing on to Manchester.
This weekend, London is bracing for something rather unusual: a massive herd of life-sized puppet animals. This parade is the latest project from the team behind 2021’s ‘The Walk,’ which showcased the enormous puppet Little Amal. The new spectacle, called ‘The Herds,’ will see these puppet creatures journeying from Africa to the Arctic Circle, making London a key stop along the way.
So, what exactly is ‘The Herds’? The project boasts an impressive ensemble of giant puppets that reflect native African wildlife. Attendees can expect to see elephants, giraffes, antelopes, lions, wolves, and wildebeest, all handmade from recycled materials—perfectly intertwining art with eco-awareness. The migration kicked off earlier this year from Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a planned overland route through Africa and eventually into Europe.
Like their predecessor, The Walk, The Herds conveys a poignant environmental message. These puppets are emblematic of wildlife affected by habitat loss and climate change. Yet, despite the serious undertone, the events in London are designed to be enjoyable and interactive, involving the community in creative expressions.
As for logistics, the puppet herd is scheduled to make its arrival at Tower Bridge on Friday, June 27. Local primary school kids will have the chance to ‘feed’ the animals during a performance called “Cornflakes and Hay” at the Scoop amphitheatre, starting at 10 a.m. Later that day, they’ll travel to the West End to participate in an event with artists from Matilda the Musical and the Royal Opera Company, titled “Hold On for Deer Life,” slated for 4:10 p.m.
The festivities continue on Saturday, with the puppets visiting Camden and Coram’s Fields. The weekend wraps up with a 3:15 p.m. show at Westfield Stratford City on Sunday, June 28, followed by the evening spectacle ‘Caught in the Light’ at St James’s Park at 9:30 p.m. While this night event is free, it does require prior registration.
It’s important to note that The Herds will only be stopping in London this weekend before heading to Manchester and other locations. This striking blend of environmental messages, community engagement, and remarkable puppetry promises a thought-provoking yet entertaining experience for all involved. It’s truly a unique opportunity for Londoners, one not to be missed!
The upcoming visit of The Herds to London promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking spectacle, showcasing a variety of giant puppet animals woven into a narrative about environmental awareness. This creative initiative, rooted in community participation, is not just a show; it’s a powerful statement against climate change and habitat loss, aiming to entertain and educate the public in a lively manner. With exciting performances planned across the city, The Herds offers a rare cultural experience as it makes its way to other locations afterward.
Original Source: secretldn.com
