One of Nottingham’s most fantastical events is in full swing,
It is the third year of the Nottingham Puppet Festival 2024, which is running from April 9 - 21.
Puppets have been parading the streets as part of the community-focused festival which is a real celebration of puppets and people.
On the events, opening day (Saturday, April 13) there were puppetry performances from local, national, and international artists.
Mahogany Carnival Design’s spectacular costumes, which have seen the creative group win awards at Notting Hill Carnival, went down a storm with Nottingham locals when they performed on Old Market Square.
Their eye-catching outfits included giant giraffes, zebras, and more.
The Ancient Giants Inspirate puppet show saw two 12-foot-long puppets do battle in a Gods versus Demons display.
Taking part in Listergate, the epic encounter drew gasps from a delighted crowd as they watched giant puppets interact with locals as the show culminated in a jaw-dropping showdown.
There was also beautiful storytelling at the Central Library as By Our Hands produced thought-provoking tales through the use of handcrafted marionettes.
The remainder of the festival will also see a host of workshops, talks, and screenings from key figures in the puppetry world.
Nottingham Puppet Festival first launched in 2018.
It is an Arts Council-funded partnership between the Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall and City Arts.
The 2024 festival is the partnership’s third event. Talks, workshops, and exhibitions will seek to inspire both aspiring puppeteers and professional practitioners.
It will enable people to join in conversations about how puppetry is reaching diverse communities and enriching lives.
The full line up for the festival can be found by clicking here.
Nottingham World went along to the event and saw a series of puppet shows across the city.
Here are some photos from the event, can you spot yourself?
1. The festival drew huge crowds
Puppets in the shape of exotic animals paraded Nottingham city centre | Ria Ghei
2. The first parade of the day started to make its way to Old Market Square
There was a heightened sense of expectation with people getting snap happy | Ria Ghei
3. Puppets drew crowds of all ages as people flocked to Nottingham for a day out with a difference
Families could be seen seated at Old Market Square | Ria Ghei
4. A big thank you to the team behind the festival whose work included signposting people and helping them with queries
Marine is one of the volunteers who was working hard to make the festival a fun, safe space | Ria Ghei