Bradford, UK – The streets of Bradford have recently been graced by a spectacular prelude to its upcoming City of Culture year in 2025, with towering giraffe puppets making a striking appearance. Standing 26 feet tall, these magnificent creatures, part of the “Les Girafes” event, are set to offer residents a glimpse of the cultural festivities to come.
The whimsical parade, organized by the renowned French street theatre company Compagnie OFF, has already captivated audiences at notable locations, including Ilkley’s Cow and Calf Rocks and Manningham Library. The event marks an exciting precursor to the year-long cultural celebrations slated for 2025.
Shanaz Gulzar, the creative director of Bradford 2025, emphasized the importance of these early events. “It’s the lead-up to the year of culture, and I want to give our audiences a sense of what’s coming next year,” Gulzar stated. She hoped the giraffes would infuse the city with “a little bit of joy, a little bit of spectacle, a little bit of fun – we all need that in our lives.”
Philippe Fresion, artistic director of Compagnie OFF, described the parade as a “kind of fairy tale.” He noted, “You feel like a kid, you know? You are in a dream.”
Local volunteer Marjorie Hodgkinson echoed the sentiment, calling the giraffe visit “exciting.” “Bradford has had nothing for long enough, and now it might bring everyone together and have a bit of fun,” she remarked.
The giraffe puppets are scheduled to make their next appearance in Bradford’s city centre on Saturday, August 24th, between 16:00 and 17:00 BST. The event, free to the public, promises to be a memorable experience as the city continues to build anticipation for its significant cultural year ahead.
You could have easily mistaken a scene for something extraordinary if you were strolling through the heart of Bradford on Saturday.
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