By Joshua Knapman

April 9, 2018 - The largest mechanical puppet ever constructed in Britain has made its first appearance as part of a five-day tour around Wales.

Man Engine, which resembles a giant miner, was launched in 2016 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Cornish Mining World Heritage site.

The giant sculpture was seen by almost 150,000 people in 10 days after it was unveiled.

Photo by Mark Lewis

Now it's heading back on the road for the Resurrection Tour in partnership with venues across Wales, including Swansea University, Cadw , National Museum Wales , Head 4 Arts and five local authorities.

The moving, mechanical miner set off on its journey across important Welsh industrial heritage sites, starting in Blaenavon . It finishes in Swansea on Thursday, April 12.

Today, crowds flocked to see the mechanical miner visit Big Pit National Coal Museum, Gilchrist Industrial Estate, and Blaenavon Ironworks.

Photo by Mark Lewis

Photo by Mark Lewis

During the first of his Welsh visits he was animated by a team of more than a dozen ‘miners’.

The aim of the tour is to highlight the legacy of Wales’ historic mining communities.

The team behind the Man Engine, Golden Tree Productions, have created a bespoke experience for the 11.2-metre tall puppet's Welsh expedition – set to include theatrical shows, live music and storytelling.

Will Coleman, the creator of the Man Engine, said: “We have a global ambition to take the Man Engine to all the significant mining and industrial heritage sites across the world, so bringing him to South Wales with its major industrial heritage status, is an ideal stop on his UK-wide journey."

Photo by Mark Lewis

Where else is he going?

If you missed Man Engine at Big Pit (or any of the other Blaenavon stops) don't worry, you can find him on the rest of his tour. 

He's set to visit:

Ebbw Vale Steelworks on Monday, April 9

Cyfarthfa Park and Castle in Merthyr Tydfil on Tuesday, April 10

Ynysangharad War Memorial Park , Pontypridd on Wednesday, April 11

National Waterfront Museum, Hafod-Morfa Copperworks and Swansea city centre on Thursday, April 12

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