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An acrobat in a red outfit similar to a traditional circus ringmaster holds flaming hoops as he is held aloft in front of several 8-meter tall red giraffe puppets, in front of Bradford City Hall.

Free

24 Aug 2024

Bradford city centre

Les Girafes

Compagnie OFF

A magical street show – led by seven red giraffes.

Past event

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A spectacular safari in the heart of Bradford – a magical street performance led by seven towering red giraffes…

On August bank holiday weekend in 2024, we stopped the Bradford traffic for one day only to make way for some very special guests.

Seven larger-than-life scarlet giraffes travelled all the way from France, surprising groups all across Bradford District – and culminating in a spectacular free performance in the heart of the district. Thousands of people packed the streets to witness this unique procession through the city centre, then headed to City Park for the grand finale.

Watch the story of how our long-necked friends were joined on their wondrous walkabout by bumbling keepers, performers, musicians – and even an opera singer parading high above the streets.

Large red puppet girafes tower over a group of performers wearing red.

Relive our spectacular safari in the heart of Bradford.

Created by legendary French street theatre company Compagnie OFF, Les Girafes visited as part of our build-up to Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.

Credits

Presented by Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.

Lead image: © Andy Benge

© Marc Jennings / upintheeire.ie

Large red puppet girafes tower over a group of performers wearing red.

© Marc Jennings / upintheeire.ie

A procession of big, red giraffe puppets make their way along a crowded high street.

© Marc Jennings / upintheeire.ie

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