Famed for creating giants in both familiar and unexpected landscapes around the world, this Halloween Macnas the world renowned masters of visual storytelling invite one and all to welcome Alf the Newt to Galway on Saturday October 26 and Sunday October 27.
At Halloween 2024, Macnas presents its brand new addition to its giant creations: Turas Alf / Alf’s Journey.
Inspired by the current conversations around climate change and habitat loss Macnas have created Alf, a 20m long x 5m high giant Newt.
“Alf is big, the show is big and the message is big,” says Creative Director Richard Babington. “Turas Alf / Alfs journey explores big scientific concepts in a big spectacular way. After being displaced from his beautiful woodland home by human development and climate change we are inviting the community of Galway to welcome a weary traveller who is feeling the effects of human development and climate change and needs somewhere safe to call home.”
Alf is a 20m long and 5m high giant, with incorporated lighting, soundtrack and special effects, that will animate the streets and delight audiences, his first outing is Halloween 2024 in Galway with later trips planned further afield in November.
Expect Macnas' signature collaborative creativity, electric energy and joyous abandon as Alf The Giant Newt arrives in the City of the Tribes.
On Saturday October 26 at 11.30am Galwegians, children particularly, are invited to accompany Alf the Giant Newt on his way to Eyre Square. Or stop by and say hello as he takes a well-earned rest on the square from 1pm - 10pm and next day from 10am - 6pm, Sunday October 27. At 6-8pm Macnas will bring Alf to his new home in The Claddagh.
Whilst its wonderful to have new friend Alf in the city, he needs safer environs more suited to him. Macnas will assemble a spectacular troupe to guide him to the safety of the Claddagh: join the Macnas drummers epically drumming, accompanied by stilted beacons and a cohort of fire performers, as this spectacular flaming cavalcade will wend through the city and out into the night.
An astonishing, magical night for all to remember, a once upon a Halloween time when Alf the Giant Newt travelled to Galway.
The Bank Holiday weekend will also see pop-up performances from the Macnas Drummers, Macnas Brass, Macnas Youth Theatre and Macnas Stilt Ensemble across the city, comprised of performers and participants from Macnas’s year round education and public participation programme.
Macnas will also produce and distribute a printed leaflet in the style of a childrens’ picture book telling the story of Alf’s journey and arrival in Galway over the bank holiday weekend.
