Britain’s largest mechanical puppet to begin 2018 tour at the Blaenavon World Heritage Site
The largest mechanical puppet ever constructed in Britain will start its tour of Wales with an opening ceremony in Blaenavon on Sunday 8 April 2018.
The colossal Man Engine will begin his journey at Big Pit National Coal Museum before parading down to Blaenavon Ironworks accompanied by choirs, brass bands and theatrics as part of his journey across Wales, entitled: Man Engine Cymru: Forging a Nation.
From Blaenavon it will visit Parc Bryn Bach, Cyfarthfa Park and Castle, Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, the National Waterfront Museum Swansea, Swansea City Centre and the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks.
The Welsh tour is a collaboration of the cultural sector in Wales, with Swansea University working in partnership with the Welsh Government’s historic environment service (Cadw), Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales, five local authorities (Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Swansea), Head 4 Arts and Golden Tree Productions.
The team behind the Man Engine, Golden Tree Productions, are creating a bespoke visual and aural experience for the Welsh expedition set to include theatrical shows, live music and storytelling to highlight the rich industrial heritage of south Wales.
Visitors will be able to view the event outside the Big Pit Museum and parade through the Gilchrist Thomas Industrial estate. Tickets to view the main event at the Ironworks can be booked via www.ticketsource.co.uk or through the Blaenavon Box Office 01495 742333.