Giant Giraffes to visit Bradford city centre this August bank holiday

Image: Marc Jennings

Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture’s event ‘Les Girafes’ will take place in Bradford city centre on Saturday 24 August. Local people have been given the unique opportunity to take part in the performance.

Seven 8-metre tall puppet giraffes will visit Bradford city centre this August Bank holiday.

The free, family event for all ages ‘Les Girafes’ by legendary French street theatre company Compagnie OFF is part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture’s (Bradford 2025) programme of events in 2024, offering a flavour of what to expect during the district’s time in the spotlight next year.

On Saturday 24 August, people from across the district are invited to watch as the larger-than-life group of giraffes journey through the city centre between 4pm and 5pm. Travelling from Darley Street Market, the procession will snake through the city centre streets, before culminating in City Park. The giraffes and the French circus company will wow crowds with a dazzling performance complete with dancing, theatrics and opera.

Bradford 2025 is creating opportunities for local people to get involved in the UK City of Culture celebrations. Residents from the district will help guide the giraffes through the city centre and excite and interact with the crowds on the giraffes’ journey. Participants in Les Girafes will gain performance experience and skills by working with an internationally recognised circus company, experience of working behind-the-scenes on a large scale performance, confidence and new connections.

Ahead of the ‘Les Girafes’ later this month, Bradford 2025 have been working with Bradford Libraries to run free workshops for families, encouraging children and young people to channel their creativity and make giraffes out of recycled materials. The Family Craft Sessions are open to all and will be taking place across the district between 15 and 22 August at libraries in Ilkley, Laisterdyke, Bingley, Wibsey, Manningham and Shipley as part of Bradford Council’s Summer Reading Challenge programme.

Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025, said:

“Ahead of next year’s celebrations we’re delighted to bring this fun friendly performance to Bradford. We hope this free event will get people excited for the district’s big moment in the spotlight. An event for all ages, it will be unique experiences for Bradford’s residents – when have you ever seen giraffes in Bradford City Centre?”  

Marjorie Hodgkinson, a local participant with Les Girafes, said:

“I signed up to be part of Les Girafes because I am born and bred in Bradford, I am proud of where I am from and want to get involved with the good things coming to my city. I love volunteering and meeting people and can’t wait for our big performance on Saturday 24 August!”

Philippe Freslon, Artistic Director of Compagnie OFF, added:

“We’re so pleased to be bringing our show Les Girafes to the streets of Bradford this Bank Holiday weekend. Our long-necked friends are excited to meet the people of Bradford and put on a spectacular show for everyone to enjoy!”