The Raging Bull – which captured the hearts and imaginations of people in Birmingham and beyond following its star appearance at the Birmingham 2022 Opening Ceremony – is set to remain on display in Birmingham City centre after the games end.
The animatronic bull will remain in Centenary Square until the Birmingham 2022 Festival – celebrating culture and creativity in the region – ends in September.
Birmingham City Council leader Cllr Ian Ward told BBC Breakfast that negotiations were ongoing with partners to find an indoor venue for the bull – made from metal and foam and unable to withstand remaining outdoors indefinitely – going forwards.
In a statement, Cllr Ian Ward said: “We are delighted with the response the Bull has had from the Opening Ceremony which reflects our history.
“The diverse history of Birmingham is one of the reasons we were successful in our bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the way residents and visitors have embraced the Bull shows how important this is.
“The Opening Ceremony’s narrative illustrated how, by working together and understanding each other, we can overcome barriers and continue having challenging conversations looking forward to creating a bolder and more inclusive Birmingham.
“We consider this one of the top attractions in the city and seeing residents and visitors enjoying the Bull being in the city this week, has been brilliant and enhances the need to keep the Bull in the city for longer.”
Commonwealth Games Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “The Bull had an important story to tell on women’s rights and the city’s industrial heritage during the Opening Ceremony. It has captured the public’s imagination, brought culture to a mass audience and shown that Birmingham 2022 is about more than the world-class sport on show.
“I hope the Bull, the Commonwealth Games and its cultural programme leave lasting memories for those who have experienced it, and that they encourage more people to get involved in the West Midlands’ rich artistic and cultural offering.”
The six-month long Birmingham 2022 Festival launched in March will sustain the celebrations and excitement in the city after the Commonwealth Games.
This will include the world premiere of a Peaky Blinders dance theatre event at the Birmingham Hippodrome and the spectacular PoliNations in Birmingham’s Victoria Square, as part of UNBOXED, Creativity in the UK.
Find out more about Birmingham 2022 Festival activities by visiting www.birmingham2022.com/festival
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