Curious about the magic behind the scenes? Handy with a glue gun? Secretly proud of your flatpack furniture skills?

We’re calling on amateur makers, DIY enthusiasts, tinkerers and crafters from across Greater Manchester to help bring THE HERDS to life. In the lead up to the MIF25 opening event, a new group of life-sized puppet animals – including wildebeest, red deer, wolves and vervet monkeys – will be handmade by a dedicated crew of local makers… and you could be one of them.

Led by a team of master puppet-makers, you’ll learn the intricate craft of building large-scale puppets, meet new people, have fun and contribute directly to a bold, city-wide performance that fuses climate storytelling and public art.

Come and help us build Manchester’s herd and be part of something big together.

THE HERDS is part of Manchester International Festival 2025 – explore the full programme here.