THE HERDS to Arrive in Heywood: A Bold Fusion of Art, Community and Climate Awareness

Posted by on 26 Jun 2025

Heywood is set to host one of the most visually arresting events the town has ever seen, as 70 life-sized animal puppets arrive on Friday 4th July.                                           

This unforgettable installation, featuring elephants, giraffes, lions and antelope, forms part of a unique journey that began over 20,000km away in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and now reaches Greater Manchester.

The RDA’s Culture and Placemaking Team has been working in close partnership with Factory International, the team behind the world-renowned Manchester International Festival (MIF25), to bring elements of this major cultural event to the borough, as part of Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025–26.  By securing this internationally acclaimed work for the town, the RDA is helping to place Heywood alongside global destinations like Paris, Madrid and Casablanca, where THE HERDS will also appear, showcasing how world-class culture can help power regeneration, pride and community connection.

THE HERDS is a large-scale public art project from The Walk Productions, designed to provoke conversation about climate change through movement, storytelling and spectacle. For Heywood, it’s more than a cultural moment, it’s a showcase of what regeneration can look and feel like when it connects people, creativity and place.

Projects like THE HERDS create a moment of transformation, reimagining local streets, parks and public spaces as platforms for world-class cultural experiences. The puppets will journey through the neighbourhood around Aspinall Street from 7pm before gathering around the lake at Queen’s Park, offering residents and visitors a chance to see Heywood in a new light.

This unique performance is part of a growing programme of events and improvements helping to reposition Heywood as a vibrant, inclusive and welcoming town, where creativity plays a central role in shaping its future.

At its core, THE HERDS tells a story of migration driven by environmental crisis. Crafted from recyclable cardboard and plywood, these stunning puppets carry a powerful message about sustainability and climate resilience, helping spark reflection in an imaginative, accessible and moving way.

As Heywood welcomes these creatures on their international journey, the town becomes part of a global story about nature, responsibility and hope.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said: “Seeing THE HERDS in Heywood is a once in a lifetime opportunity, a combination of dance-theatre, awe-inspiring life-size puppets creating something very powerful and moving. It’s very exciting, THE HERDS are capturing the imagination of everyone who sees them and I hope through these creatures we will spark thoughts and raise awareness about everything that is happening to our environment worldwide too. Nature and THE HERDS message is crucial.” 

THE HERDS is about more than spectacle, it’s about connection. As the animals parade through the streets and gather in Queen’s Park, families, neighbours and visitors will come together in a shared moment of wonder, while local cafés, pubs, restaurants and venues help bring the town to life with hospitality and entertainment.

The impact of this event will go far beyond one evening. It’s a powerful reminder of what Heywood can offer, a place full of potential, creativity and community spirit. It also shows how culture can drive regeneration, open up new possibilities, and spark local pride.

THE HERDS is a highlight in a growing programme of live events, festivals and exhibitions during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025–26, a celebration of the borough’s rich heritage, creative energy and thriving arts scene.

Find out more at www.rochdale.gov.uk/TownOfCulture