Batley Festival to wow crowds

Giant puppets, mechanical hippos and street performers will all be part of the entertainment at Batley Festival.
The Hippochondriac Thingumajig Theatre will perform at Batley Festival.The Hippochondriac Thingumajig Theatre will perform at Batley Festival.
The Hippochondriac Thingumajig Theatre will perform at Batley Festival.

The volunteer-led event, in partnership with Creative Scene and Kirklees Council, is now in its third year and organisers have promised it will be bigger and better than ever.

The Hippochondriac Thingumajig Theatre will be roaming the streets, giving a puppet show from the inside of a mechanical hippo.

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They will be joined by a super-sized puppet created by Liverpool-based artist Molly Hawkins.

Taking inspiration from Batley’s heritage, she has been making the puppet with the help of residents in the Corner Cafe in Branch Road.

Project Bugle will also be taking part by turning the mayor’s parlour in Batley Town Hall into a war office.

The volunteers will be on hand to record family information and artefacts that might be used in the development of the soldier’s stories within the project.

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World War I experts will also be there to answer questions about the war, the battles and the medals awarded.

Project Bugle leader Tony Dunlop said: “Batley Festival is our first opportunity for the public to interact and take part in this project.

“We hope to help families understand what war treasures they have and to record what is held in the town.

“My message is go into the attic, get the old family suitcase down and see what you find. You might be surprised.”

Batley Festival takes place on Saturday September 27, 11am to 4pm.

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