Life-sized safari puppets set to take over Heywood this July

Free outdoor art event brings powerful climate message and live music to town centre

A stunning public art event featuring 70 giant animal puppets will take over Heywood this summer and it’s completely free to attend.

The Herds, an ambitious international artwork highlighting the global climate crisis, is coming to Heywood on Friday 4 July as part of Manchester International Festival. The project features life-sized elephants, lions, giraffes and antelope, all made from recyclable materials such as cardboard and plywood.

The puppets will arrive in the Aspinall Street area at 7pm before making their way to Queen’s Park in a dramatic procession. The animals symbolise a herd fleeing climate disaster and their journey is designed to raise awareness of the urgent need to protect nature.

The project began in April in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and has since travelled through African and European cities. Heywood is one of just a few UK stops before the animals move on to Scandinavia and the Arctic Circle.

Once The Herds reach Queen’s Park, visitors will be treated to a live performance by the nine piece Riot Jazz Brass Band, who will play a mix of high energy dance tunes and jazz until 9pm.

There will also be additional live entertainment across Heywood town centre throughout the evening, with more details set to be announced in June.

No tickets or booking are needed, and everyone is welcome. Visitors are encouraged to walk or use public transport where possible, as parking will be limited.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This is a world-class piece of art and storytelling, and we’re thrilled to welcome it to Heywood. These amazing animal puppets are already sparking conversations everywhere they go, and I hope this visit helps people think about the changes facing our environment.”

The Herds is being delivered in partnership with Heywood Town Board and is described as one of the largest public art projects ever attempted. It is part of Rochdale’s official programme as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025–26, celebrating the borough’s creativity, culture and community.