Larger-than-life puppets light up the streets of Stalybridge as part of vibrant festival

Hundreds of people lined the streets of Stalybridge this morning (Saturday 9 August) as larger-than-life puppets led a vibrant and colourful parade.

Farrah the Fox made her debut in the Tameside town, measuring up to five metres and riding a scooter blasting music.

As part of the ‘Hi!Street Fest’, a government initiative to celebrate our local high streets, Wigan and Stalybridge were chosen as two of the six towns the curious fox was to visit.

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Today in Stalybridge, as Farrah explored the town centre, she was welcomed by a giant animated mill boy puppet, Charlie, and his friend Maude. Together, they showed Farrah the town's rich cotton heritage and offered a glimpse of its thriving cultural scene.

The parade set off from Market Street at 11am, following a route along Waterloo Road, back on to Market Street, then Melbourne Street, Corporation Street and Trinity Street before culminating in Armentieres square.

Live performances from percussionists and a brass band echoed around the buildings as people danced on the pavements. There was also dancing from local groups and performers, complete with colourful costumes.

Even the puppets got involved, dancing together and going into the crowds to say hello to the many kids watching.

At one stage, one of the puppets came over to a young girl to shake her hand. Her mum said: “It’s just a lovely thing, to see all of this and to see everyone out and about. The colours and music are amazing - you wouldn’t think you were in Stalybridge!”

An elderly couple, who were situated right at the front of the parade route, said: “We’ve been really looking forward to this. The puppets look fantastic, don’t they?”

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