Heywood ready to welcome 70 life-sized animal puppets as THE HERDS set to descend on town

It’s a journey of epic proportions, an unusual and eye-catching feat never attempted before, so when 70 life-sized safari animals descend on Heywood on a Friday evening (4 July) it's going to be quite a sight. This very public journey is to highlight the animals travelling north to ‘flee the climate disaster’ say The Walk Productions, the company behind THE HERDS, a huge artwork being brought to Heywood as part of Manchester International Festival. Final preparations are under way for the arrival of THE HERDS that will feature elephants, giraffes, antelope, and lions made from the upscaled or recyclable cardboard and plywood. A dramatic way to put the focus on climate change, the animals began their 20,000km journey in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in April and are now making their way through European cities, crossing to the UK later this week before arriving in London. THE HERDS will appear in the residential area around Aspinall Street in Heywood from 7pm on Friday 4 July on a mission to find a way back to nature, before they move to the lake at nearby Queen’s Park to find a tranquil oasis. Want to catch a glimpse and get a good view? Locations being recommended for visitors wanting to see THE HERDS in Heywood are Aspinall Street, the corner where Miller Street, Aspinall Street and Mutual Street meet, Miller Street, Starkie Street and around the lake at Queen’s Park. Following THE HERDS appearance at the lake in Queen’s Park there will be a free live performance on stage at the park’s outdoor theatre by nine-piece Riot Jazz Brass Band. The festival favourites will be bringing their irresistible energy, playing their lively mix of dancefloor anthems and aggro-jazz from 8pm until around 9pm. Food and drink will be available for sale at Queen’s Park between 7pm – 9pm for those wanting to see THE HERDS and watch the free gig. With big crowds expected, Heywood’s cafes, bars and restaurants are preparing to welcome an influx of visitors with special offers, extended opening hours and live entertainment. Italian restaurant Bella Sera on Rochdale Road East will be serving an early bird menu from 5pm – 6.30pm. Tiki bar and restaurant Hakuna Matata on Bridge Street are open from 12pm with food served all day until 9pm. They’re offering a choice of children’s meals accompanied by a drink for £5. Queen’s Park Cafe will open later for the event, serving hot and cold food and drinks. Popular town centre pub The Olde Queen Anne hosts live music from 5pm featuring Heywood singer-songwriter Jack Carroll, a barbeque and resident DJ from 7.30pm until late, whilst The Woolpack on Birch Street hosts a drag night with Lucy Fur from 8.30pm. Visitors who aren’t able to walk to THE HERDS are being advised to use public transport, as parking in Heywood will be limited. Parking will be available at Heywood Sports Village car park, Queen’s Park car park, Hartley Street car park, and Hornby Street car park. There are regular bus services to Heywood from Bolton, Bury, Middleton and Rochdale. For details and to plan your journey, visit tfgm.com Visiting Heywood during the Greater Manchester stage in partnership with Heywood Town Board, THE HERDS is described as a public art project on a scale never attempted before – a testament to the scale of the climate crisis and the collective effort needed to fight it. After visiting Greater Manchester The Herds travel on to Scandinavia and then the Arctic Circle. 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.” To ensure the safety of visitors and performers some residential roads will be closed around Aspinall Street on the evening from 6pm and various temporary waiting restrictions will be in force all day. Properties on the affected routes have been informed in writing. Do check the road closures before you travel - full details of the closures are available at rochdale.gov.uk/roadworks Plan your visit to see THE HERDS in Heywood and find out more at rochdalecreates.com If you’re unable to attend the event in Heywood, you can catch THE HERDS the day before in Manchester city centre (Thursday 3 July) or the following day (Saturday 5 July) at Pennington Flash in Leigh. As well as joining events in-person, audiences are able to follow THE HERDS online and via social media at theherds.org THE HERDS is part of a spectacular line up of festivals, live performances, exhibitions and art during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. The title, awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority celebrates the town’s rich history, creativity, talent and diverse arts scene. Find out more at www.rochdale.gov.uk/TownOfCulture