Giants return to Liverpool to mark WWI commemoration

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered today on the streets of Liverpool to welcome back giant marionettes that will narrate the story of World War One.

The three huge figures marked the opening of a three-day commemoration parade entitled Memories of August 1914.

The procession started in the morning at 10.30am with the huge 25ft (7.5m) grandmother giant setting off to explore the city in search for her colossal granddaughter and huge pet dog Xolo.

Operated by 26 people the grandmother smoked pipe, spat from time to time and farted releasing a vanilla scent.

The spectacular show has returned to Liverpool two years after a Titanic-inspired Sea Odyssey won the hearts of millions in 2012.

WWI event has been commissioned by Liverpool City Council and also funded by the Department of Culture Media and Sport.

The event is organised by Nantes-based French street theatre company Royal de Luxe. Founded in 1979 and led by writer and director Jean-Luc Courcoult the french firma has played more than 1,000 shows to over 18 million spectators in more than 170 cities around the world.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “Lord Derby made a passionate appeal in Liverpool for people to volunteer to join the war effort. They only appealed for one battalion from Liverpool and they ended up getting four. They all signed up in St George’s Hall, so it’s appropriate that the commemoration of that is taking place here.”

The puppets are expected to cover 30 miles journey before the event ends on Sunday when the three giants sail away on the river Mersey.

Aastha Gill