HERDS: Puppet Building Workshops

Curious about the magic behind the scenes? Handy with a glue gun? Secretly proud of your flatpack furniture skills?

MIF25 are calling on amateur makers, DIY enthusiasts, tinkerers and crafters from across Greater Manchester to help bring THE HERDS to life. In the lead up to the MIF25 opening event, a new group of life-sized puppet animals – including wildebeest, red deer, wolves and vervet monkeys – will be handmade by a dedicated crew of local makers… and you could be one of them.

Led by a team of master puppet-makers, you’ll learn the intricate craft of building large-scale puppets, meet new people, have fun and contribute directly to a bold, city-wide performance that fuses climate storytelling and public art.

Come and help MIF25 build Manchester’s herd and be part of something big together.

THE HERDS is part of Manchester International Festival 2025 – explore the full programme here.

Workshop details

• Sessions run from 17 May to 19 June at puppet HQ on Temperance Street, close to Manchester Piccadilly Station.
• Join a Thursday afternoon, Thursday evening, or Saturday full-day session.
• Sessions will run for 5 weeks. Participants are encouraged to commit to at least 3-4 sessions, so you can follow the build process and deepen your skills.
• Open to ages 16+.
• All materials provided, plus a contribution towards expenses.
• Workshops involve a lot of glue and paint so wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little messy!
• No experience necessary – just enthusiasm, a steady pair of hands, and a love for making things come to life.