Colossal ‘Man Engine’ coming to Shropshire - watch the video
It looks like something out of a 1920s vision of the future. Weighing nearly 40 tons, the colossal Man Engine is the largest mechanical puppet ever constructed in Britain – and it’s coming to Shropshire later this year.
Standing at nearly 12 metres high, the device will be coming to Blists Hill Victorian Town on April 14.
It will take centre stage in an hour-long ceremony at the museum at 2pm and 8.30pm on the day, where the audience will be asked to help wake the puppet from its slumber.
Watch the Man Engine in action:
Pat Edgar, a spokeswoman for Blists Hill, said: “The Man Engine’s visit represents a celebration of the industrial heritage of the Ironbridge Gorge and its status as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution of the mid-18th century.
“The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust is proud to host him in The Gorge World Heritage Site at Blists Hill Victorian Town.”
Families will also be able to join in a miners’ parade and have a go at printing, candle-dipping and building a mini steam engine during the day event.
The evening event will include a live band and street theatre throughout the museum’s historic streets.
Guests will be able to join in a sing-along in the pub before heading down to The Green to watch the Man Engine Ceremony at 8.30pm.
Other regular museum attractions, including fish and chips, will be available for both events. Tickets arefor the daytime event can be purchased online or at the gate, subject to availability, priced at £19.75 for adults, £14 for 60 plus and £12 for children aged from five to 16.
Evening event tickets much be purchased in advance online priced at £10 for adults and £8 concessions.
Annual Passports are not valid for either event but current Passport holders will receive a 25% discount off daytime admission.
For more information or to buy a ticket visit ironbridge.org.uk
