We’ll admit it we’ve been OBSESSED with the Commonwealth Games’ mechanical bull ever since it roared on the stage at the Opening Ceremony. It’s not really a secret at this point but, like much of Birmingham, we can’t stop thinking about him. (Or any bulls for that matter.) But we have been a little shy with what to call him…
The Mechanical Bull? The Commonwealth Bull? The Birmingham Bull? Raging Bull? Big Bully Boy? There’s yet to be an official name, which just doesn’t seem right if you ask us. Well, ahead of the bull’s permanent arrival to New Street Station, Network Rail and the West Midlands Combined Authority have launched a nationwide competition to give the bull a permanent new name.
So if you’re quick with the puns or your family have a cute nickname for Mr Bull, now is your chance to get involved. For the next two weeks, you can email any name suggestions to namethebull@networkrail.co.uk. On Wednesday, June 7, the top names will be compiled into a shortlist.
The best names will then be put to a public vote with the winning name to be revealed by June 23. The much-loved, 10-metre-tall mechanical bull is currently undergoing major work to make it suitable for its new home at the station. But is expected to be officially unveiled in the station at the end of July.
“Much work has been going on to get the bull ready for its new home at Birmingham New Street, where it will be a towering piece of art admired by the thousands of people who use the station every day,” said Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, chair of Network Rail.
Special effects designers Artem, which originally built the bull, are re-moulding new parts so it meets fire regulations and fitting exciting new mechanisms so its head, eyes and tail can continue to move in similar ways to how they did during the Games.
Mike Kelt, CEO of special effects company Artem, said: “It has been an honour to remake the Bull so it can live on to remind everyone of the Commonwealth experience, and the fantastic history that is locked up in Birmingham’s past.”
So what names have you got? We’re going with Bullseye, but we’re sure you can do better!