- Ten metre tall goddess of the sea, Storm will walk through Glasgow’s city centre on Saturday 18 January
- Route details and how audiences can take part in the free family friendly outdoor spectacle announced
Vision Mechanics, the Edinburgh company behind the much loved Big Man Walking have unveiled their latest project, Storm, ahead of its debut as part of the Celtic Connections Coastal Day celebrations.
Rehearsing in the expansive grounds of the Museum of Flight, the ten-metre tall puppet is putting her sea legs to the test in preparation for her first public appearance.
Two years in the making, Storm is a new feat of mechanical mastery created by the formidable puppeteering duo Symon Macintyre and Kim Bergsagel. Created in response to the climate crisis, she is a folklore giant made real who will encourage children and audiences alike to celebrate our seas, encourage care for our coastlines and empower us all to put the environment first.
Made from entirely recycled materials, her eyes are the colour of oyster shells, her hair thick strands of kelp, her voice the chorus of the waves. Aided by eight puppeteers, Storm will wake up on the banks of the River Clyde to kick off the inaugural Coastal Connections Day at the UK’s largest annual Folk Festival. Storm is also one of the first events to mark Scotland’s official year of Coasts and Waters 2020.
Families, friends and passers by will have the opportunity to walk alongside Storm as she slowly makes her way to the Royal Concert Hall. Backed by a beautiful soundscape from Scotland’s pioneering folk singer Mairi Campbell, Storm will be joined by some surprise performances along the way, culminating in a specially choreographed dance performance by students from Glasgow Kelvin College’s Performing Arts Programme.
Storm’s route map and summary of activity on the day:
