Manchester welcomed an extraordinary spectacle last night (3rd July) as a gigantic herd of life-sized puppet animals made its way through the city in the form of The Herds, and it continues on to other areas of Greater Manchester this weekend.
Following the success of The Walk in 2021, which featured the enormous puppet Little Amal, the creative team behind that project has returned with The Herds – a visually stunning migration of puppet beasts journeying from Africa to the Arctic Circle, with Manchester as a key stop on their route.
What is ‘The Herds’?
The Herds features a breathtaking collection of giant puppets representing animals native to the heart of Africa, including elephants, giraffes, antelopes, lions, wolves, and wildebeest. These puppets are crafted entirely from recycled materials, adding an eco-conscious layer to the artistry.
The migration began earlier this year in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and the animals are traveling overland through Africa into Europe, with the Arctic Circle as their final destination.
A powerful message
Like The Walk, which highlighted the plight of refugees, The Herds carries a strong environmental message. The puppets symbolise animals fleeing habitat loss and climate change impacts in their native lands. While the theme is serious, the events in Greater Manchester promise to be engaging and lively, blending artistry with community participation.
For the opening event of Manchester International Festival 2025, on Thursday 3rd July the displaced herd arrived in Manchester City Centre, set on interrupting an orchestral performance by Manchester Camerata. The Herds scattered through the city, sweeping the music into their frenzy. If you were between Cathedral Gardens and Market Street, you might just have stumbled upon them.
The Herds: Greater Manchester route
After opening MIF25 with a dramatic arrival in Manchester City Centre, The Herds will abandon the bustling city for the residential streets of Heywood, Rochdale on Friday 4th July at 7pm. Encounter the animals in the industrial shadow of Mutual Mills before they move to Queen’s Park in search of nature. Can they find a tranquil moment away from the city?
For the final stop on their Greater Manchester journey, The Herds find a fleeting refuge in the wild beauty of Pennington Flash Country Park, on Saturday 5th July from 1pm. Visitors are invited to explore the park’s winding trails, pause in bird hides, and quietly observe as 70 life-sized puppets appear amid the trees and wetlands. A lion stalking through the long grass. A giraffe blending with the canopy. A silent kudu, watching from the shadows. Will your patience – and your stillness – be rewarded?
Catch this unique stampede before it’s gone!
