A ten-metre tall puppet eclipsed the streets of Glasgow on Saturday morning as part of Celtic Connections' one-day event Coastal Connections.
Scotland's largest puppet, named Storm, started her walk through Glasgow by Clyde's Victoria Bridge at 10am this morning.
Coastal Connections is a one-day festival within the 2020 Celtic Connections with the goal of celebrating Scotland's coasts and waters.
Celtic Connections creative producer, Donald Shaw said: “Celtic Connections has always had strong links with the unique music and heritage of the seas, waters and shores of Scotland.
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"Coastal Connections is a fantastic way to kick-start Scotland’s Years of Coasts and Waters, with musicians from more than 20 islands, coasts and peninsulas performing across the day for our festival within a festival."
Storm wowed thousands of Glaswegians as she opened the one-day festival by walking from the Clyde to the Royal Concert Hall.
The event marks Scotland's Year of Coasts and Waters, celebrated this year.
Puppet Storm was accompanied by tracks by Scottish folk musicians Mairi Campbell and Dave Gray.
Storm woke up this morning for a wee wander through Glasgow to @ccfest #ccfest2020 #Storm2020 #yocaw2020 #VisitScotland #glasgow pic.twitter.com/ubwc4Y2kxA
— Lesley Shaw (@lesleyshaw) January 18, 2020
Upon reaching her final destination in Glasgow, she was joined by a dance performance by students from Glasgow’s Kelvin College Performing Arts Programme, carrying a bold “we make change” message.
The giant puppet is an extraordinary feat of mechanical engineering by Edinburgh's Vision Mechanics.
Vision Mechanics Artistic Director, Symon Macintyre said: “Storm is the culmination of two years work, planning and making. Seeing her finally walk through Glasgow feels like a very exciting start to 2020.
"She’s here with a message about our oceans, a huge reminder of how we owe them everything and now is the time to stand up and protect Storm and her home."
A goddess of the sea in George Square, here to spread the word about protecting our oceans as part of Scotland's Year of Coasts and Waters 🌊#Storm2020 #CCFEST2020 #YCW2020 @VisitScotland pic.twitter.com/O68cvN1G52
— Vision Mechanics (@VisionMechanics) January 18, 2020
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Storm will continue to tour Scotland as part of the year-long celebration of Scotland's coasts and waters.
Confirmed appearances include Falkirk, Skye and Oban in the upcoming weeks.
Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop said: “What an exciting way to kick off Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters.
“I look forward to seeing her continue her journey around Scotland, giving communities a chance to celebrate their connections to our coastlines and to work together to protect our waters for future generations to enjoy.”
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