SEVEN eight-metre tall puppet giraffes will visit the city centre over the August Bank Holiday weekend as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations.
'Les Girafes' - from French street theatre company Compagnie OFF - is a free, family event for all ages and is part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture’s programme of events in 2024.
It will offer a flavour of what to expect during the district’s time in the spotlight next year.
On Saturday, August 24, people from across the district are invited to watch as the larger-than-life group of giraffes journey through the city centre between 4pm and 5pm.
Travelling from Darley Street Market, the procession will snake through the city centre streets, before culminating in City Park.
The giraffes and the French circus company will give a performance complete with dancing, theatrics and opera.
Bradford 2025 is creating opportunities for local people to get involved in the UK City of Culture celebrations.
Residents from the district will help guide the giraffes through the city centre and interact with crowds on the giraffes’ journey.
Participants in Les Girafes will gain performance experience and skills by working with an internationally recognised circus company and experience working behind-the-scenes on a large-scale performance.
Ahead of Les Girafes, Bradford 2025 has been working with Bradford Libraries to run free workshops for families, encouraging children and young people to channel their creativity and make giraffes out of recycled materials.
The family craft sessions are open to all and will take place across the district between August 15 and 22 at libraries in Ilkley, Laisterdyke, Bingley, Wibsey, Manningham and Shipley as part of Bradford Council's Summer Reading Challenge programme.
Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of Bradford 2025, said: “Ahead of next year’s celebrations we’re delighted to bring this fun friendly performance to Bradford.
“We hope this free event will get people excited for the district’s big moment in the spotlight.
“An event for all ages, it will be unique experiences for Bradford’s residents - when have you ever seen giraffes in Bradford city centre?”
Marjorie Hodgkinson, a local participant with Les Girafes, said: “I signed up to be part of Les Girafes because I am born and bred in Bradford, I am proud of where I am from and want to get involved with good things coming to my city.
“I love volunteering and meeting people and can't wait for our big performance.”
Philippe Freslon, artistic director of Compagnie OFF, added: "We're so pleased to be bringing our show Les Girafes to the streets of Bradford this Bank Holiday weekend.
“Our long-necked friends are excited to meet the people of Bradford and put on a spectacular show for everyone to enjoy.”
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