We do love a bull in Birmingham. But one, in particular, captured the city’s heart last summer. Last seen let loose in Centenary Square, this 10-metre-tall mechanical bull was a prominent feature of the 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. Before finding a home in the city centre for the rest of the games.
People from all over Birmingham and beyond flocked down to see the Commonwealth bull in person. Due to its gigantic size and the hundreds of images circulating on social media, the whole city fell in love. Yet despite its newfound fame, many feared the 33ft beast would eventually end up as scrap metal. Something of that size, it was said by its creators, was difficult to store.
Shortly after the games finished on August 8, the bull disappeared. Not to be seen again. But good things come to those who wait it seems, as the Commonwealth bull is returning to Birmingham’s city centre. A new permeant home for the mechanical bull has been found at Birmingham New Street station.
“As soon as the Raging Bull appeared in the Commonwealth Games’ opening ceremony it captivated the nation, cementing itself as an icon for host city Birmingham,” said Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, chair of Network Rail. “When the Raging Bull is proudly in place, tens of thousands of people every day will be reminded of the time the best of the West Midlands was on show to the world, as a lasting legacy to the unforgettable Birmingham 2022 Games.”
The 33ft mechanical bull will live under the station’s atrium following a makeover this winter. A one-way ticket is already booked for the bull to New Street Station this summer 2023. Those hoping to see its red glaring eyes, steaming nostrils and raging animations again in action might be a little disappointed, however. The Commonwealth bull will remain static. Even so, we’re just excited to see it again.