THE HERDS – which comprises of seventy life-sized animal puppets made from natural and recycled materials – appeared in the trees, wetlands, and trails of Pennington Flash today.
THE HERDS is a massive, moving city‑scale art performance using giant, recycled‑material animal puppets to dramatize climate displacement.
Everything from giraffes and gorillas to antelopes form this migration of puppet animals, that are on a 20,000km journey from the Congo basin to the Arctic Circle.
Jo Platt said: “I had the pleasure of joining thousands of people at Pennington Flash today to witness something truly breath-taking – THE HERDS, a powerful, roaming art installation tackling the urgent message of climate displacement.
“This wasn’t just an international spectacle – Leigh played a part too. Artists from Leigh Spinners Mill – and the wider borough – contributed to the project by helping create the hides for the animals and building one of the stunning Wildebeest, which will now continue its journey as part of THE HERDS’ world tour.
“What a legacy for our community to be part of something so globally significant!
“Huge credit to Wigan Council, Manchester International Festival, and all artists and volunteers involved in bringing this to life.
“THE HERDS isn’t just art – it’s a moving reminder of what’s at stake for nature and for us.”
These majestic creatures are on a symbolic 20,000km journey from the Congo Basin to the Arctic Circle, fleeing the effects of climate disaster.
THE HERDS will travel across 10 countries, through cities like Kinshasa, Lagos, Dakar, Marrakesh, London, and Manchester, ultimately reaching the Arctic Circle between April and August 2025.