The first official sponsor has been revealed for the return of the giant puppets to the city this summer.
John Sutch Cranes will play a key role in the event that returns to Liverpool for the second time this July to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I.
The Liverpool crane company, which launched in 1990, previously worked on the 2012 giant event that attracted around 800,000 members of the public to watch the unique show on the streets of the city.
Communications officer for the crane company, Mary Stothard, told JMU Journalism: “When they were inviting the giants back they obviously needed crane companies again. They approached crane companies in the area and we were very keen to do it again. So we met with all the parties confirmed and came up with an agreement that works for everybody.”
She added: “We are really looking forward to it; everyone absolutely loved doing it last time. It’s quite a challenge for us as it’s quite a unique spectacle but we really enjoyed working with all the other people that are involved.”
It will be the crane company’s role to help the French street theatre experts, Royal De Luxe, to achieve their vision. Mary said: “We work with demanding projects all the time and cranes are used for large events on a regular basis. We feel like we’ve got the experience and the right technology so we feel quite confident about it.”
In the lead up to the Memories of August 1914 event, rehearsals will be carried out at secret locations to check that the event runs smoothly.
The five-day event will welcome back the familiar faces of the Little Girl Giant and her dog Xolo. These two giants were the main attractions of the 2012 event that explored memories of the Sea Odyssey and the Titanic centenary.
While this year’s route is yet to be announced, the giants will be sure to create a moving and emotional story remembering the time when Britain was preparing for war.
Mary added: “I really recommend it as an event to go to. The last one I was so blown away. It really is something special. The company that do it are a world class production and I encourage everyone to come and see it.”
The giants will return to the streets of Liverpool from July 23rd to 27th.