See the colossal engineering miracle 'Man Engine' at

Blists Hill Victorian Town on Saturday 14th April

The largest mechanical puppet ever constructed in Britain, the Man Engine, is coming to Blists Hill Victorian Town, near Ironbridge, Shropshire on Saturday, 14th April when it will be the 'star' of spectacular daytime and evening events. Weighing nearly 40 tonnes, it crawls at 4.5m high and 'transforms' to stand at nearly 12m.

The Man Engine will be centre stage at two amazing and spectacular events, the 'Afternooner' and 'Afterdarker' when the audience will be asked to help wake the puppet from its slumber. Bring along your enthusiasm, energy and loudest voice to help the Man Engine Team raise the sleeping giant to its full height with songs and chants.

The day time event is perfect for families as young visitors can join in the Miners' Parade and have a go at printing, candle dipping and building a mini-steam engine, amongst many other hands-on activities. Then chat to the townsfolk in their shops and cottages and find out what life was like for the Victorian mining communities of Shropshire.

During the evening the atmosphere changes as the sounds of rhythmic drums fill the air and the actors perform street theatre. Join in the sing–a-long at the pub before heading down to The Green to watch the remarkable Man Engine ceremony at 8.30pm. Whether you visit by day or by night, make sure you tuck into some delicious fish and chips from the Town Fryer and other treats from the cafés.

One of the ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Blists Hill will be open from 10am to 4.30pm by day and 6.30pm to 10pm in the evening.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, priced at £19.75 for adults, £14 for 60 plus, £12 for children 5 - 16 years for the day time event and £10 for adults and £8 concessions for the evening. Annual Passports are not valid for either event but current Passport holders will receive a 25% discount off daytime admission.

For further information, call the Ironbridge Tourist Information Centre on 01952 433 424 or visit www.ironbridge.org.uk.

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For press enquiries, images or to arrange review visit please contact:

Pat Edgar, PR Matters

Tel: 01494 764932 / 07836 786043

Email: PRMatters@talktalk.net

March 2018

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