Colourful parade and giant mechanical fox is coming to Greater Manchester's streets

A colourful parade and giant mechanical fox is touring the UK and will come to the streets of Greater Manchester later this summer.

Celebrating the UK high streets, Emergency Exit Arts (EEA), one of Britain's pioneering arts companies, will be bringing their parades to Wigan and Stalybridge to reflect the history and heritage of the area.

They will be two of six street events held up and down the country, with carnival acts celebrating Historic England's High Street Action Zones cultural programme, a four year programme to revitalise more than 60 high streets.

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The free events offer dance and music performances, encouraging people of all ages to visit and engage with their high streets.

Visiting each location will be a giant 5m high mechanical puppet of a fox called Farrah. As Farrah explores each location, she will be welcomed by a large host puppet created in partnership with local residents through weeks of community workshops and activities.

The fox puppet is currently being built and has been named Farrah, meaning 'joy' in Arabic. Historic England said a fox was chosen because they are 'known for their resilience and ability to adapt, just like our high streets have done over the years'.

Hi! Street Fest is taking place in Wigan on July 8. King Street will be transformed for two days with a parade through town, live music, DJ's, catwalks and street performances.

It will be also lining the streets of Stalybridge on September 9, with 200 fully costumed percussionists, dancers, brass players and community performers drawn from locality.

Hi! Street Fest is Historic England's largest commission as part of the High Streets Heritage Action Zones