Thousands flock to Bradford to see stunning Les Girafes show

Seven eight-metre tall puppet giraffes weaved through the streets of Bradford city centre as 'Les Girafes' was performed by French street theatre company Compagnie OFF as a free, family event for all ages to kick off Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture’s programme of events in 2024.

French street theatre company Compagnie OFF performed Les Girafes in Bradford city centre (Image: Newsquest)

The event opened with an opera singer dressed in a fluffy white coat singing as the seven eight-foot tall giraffes, each manned by a pair of skilled puppeteers and stilt walkers, made their entrance down the side of the new Darley Street Market.

After performing in front of the market building, they made their way down to perform in front of the NatWest before heading to City Park where they performed in front the UK City of Culture building, City Hall before finishing the final scene in front of the Bradford and Keighley Magistrates Court.

An opera singer hit the high notes for Bradford's residents (Image: Newsquest)

The giraffe puppeteers weaved among the crowds interacting with them along the way while the opera singer hits notes not heard in the centre of Bradford in some time.

Bradford woman Diane O’Sullivan, of Bradford, who attended with her son Harry, said: “I didn’t know what to expect. I never heard an opera singer live before and how the puppeteers perform their trade is amazing. It's really visual.”

There were some stunning visual displays for the crowds (Image: Newsquest)

Deb, of Bradford, said: “This is a fabulous bit of light hearted fun to raise everybody’s spirits. It’s taste of what to come next year for the City of Culture.

Deb’s sister, of Manchester, called the show “quite a spectacle”.

Crowds were wowed by Les Girafes (Image: Newsquest)

Jacob Thornton-Molineaux came from Bingley with his family to watch the event.

“It’s fabulous,” he said. “The kids really wanted to see this. It’s lovely to have an international act come to Bradford and it’s great to see so many people enjoying it.”

The puppet giraffes play in the fountains of City Park (Image: Newsquest)

Reyhana Laher, of Bradford, said: “I’m at a loss for words. It’s amazing.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be like this. I like all the surprises they do.”

“It’s amazing,” said Cath. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

The puppet giraffes in front of Bradford Magistrates Court (Image: Newsquest)

Her friend, Ruth, said: “The giraffes are so joyful, aren’t they? You can’t help but smile.

“Seeing them in the middle of Bradford with an opera singer is amazing.

“There are so many people here. It’s a big turnout.”

Emily Parkin, Jenny Sugden and Gemma Hobbs with their own crafted giraffes (Image: Newsquest)

Emily Parkin and Gemma Hobbs each carried craft giraffes which were made by children in the 12 libraries around the Bradford district.

“We were excited for Les Girafes to come to Bradford," said Emily. "We’ve been making little craft giraffes with children in libraries around Bradford, and they helped us make these two bigger ones.”