Is this some kind of steampunk fever dream we’re having? Someone has let a big, mechanical bull loose in Centenary Square. It was last seen storming into Alexander Stadium at the Commonwealth Games’ Opening Ceremony, but it has now taken up residence in the city centre. It has proven to be a hit with the locals too, due to its titan-size and new found fame.
The hulking animal was a predominant feature at the Opening Ceremony. Smoke billowing from its nostrils. Red eyes flaring at the crowd. It made a terrifying first impression. Much of the performance focused on Brum’s vibrant and colourful history. But the bull served as a stark reminder of the city’s dark, industrial past – before the performance’s hero calmed and tamed the beast.
Like a real celebrity, the raging bull received a full police escort from the Alexander Stadium and arrived outside the Library of Birmingham the following Friday morning (July 29). In a short time, many people have already flocked down to witness it in person. Bulls are a strong symbol to Brummies, as they were sold in the city for centuries.
It’s not the only one of its kind in the area, either. A bronze, bull statue outside the Bullring shopping centre has been a fixture of the area since 2003 – and has become an adopted mascot of the city. But at 10 metres tall, this new metallic monster towers above it by quite some height. It is this gigantic size, however, that might be its own undoing in the end. There are few places something of this size can be kept or stored. Even the team behind its creation expect it to be dismantled after the games finish on August 8.
Images and videos are quickly popping up all over social media, however, clearly showing that it has captured the public’s imagination. So it would be a shame for the bull’s life cycle to end so abruptly. Make sure to get down there before its gone forever.