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Huge crowds gathered yesterday to witness the unveiling of Preston’s newest piece of public art.
The event marked the official launch of the £45m+ Animate entertainment and leisure scheme, which is built on the site of the former indoor market and is owned by Preston City Council. The complex features The Arc Cinema – open from today – plus Hollywood Bowl and a number of eateries.
Read more: What’s opening and when at Preston’s Animate
The identity of the bronze statue outside Animate had been kept a closely guarded secret. On arrival, observers found it hidden beneath a red cover, with police officers standing nearby.
There was palpable excitement in the air as Prestonians of all ages waited patiently. Cheers and applause erupted when Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park and other VIPs arrived.
Preston City Council chief executive Adrian Phillips led a countdown, before Nick and the Mayor of Preston, Councillor Phil Crowe, threw back the cover to reveal the identity of the statue – criminal mastermind, Feathers McGraw.
Initial cheers from the crowd quickly turned to playful boos, led by a laughing Nick, whose sheer delight at seeing Feathers made everyone smile that little bit wider.
Watch as Feathers is unveiled, or see it on YouTube
The laughter continued as a crowd member shouted: “Arrest that chicken!”
Sure enough a police officer was on hand with cuffs to ensure the silent villain posed no threat to the crowd – or to Wallace and Gromit, whose statues outside the Market Hall the penguin now glares directly at.
After the unveiling, Oscar and BAFTA winner Nick greeted fans, even meeting one who was keen to show their Wallace and Gromit tattoo – to which Nick offered to add Feathers!
Nick also addressed the crowd, saying: “As a proud Prestonian, it is my honour to be here with the Mayor unveiling this iconic character in the centre of my home city of Preston.”
I’m sure everyone who was there would agree – it was an honour to simply be part of such an uplifting occasion.
Read more: ‘I have to pinch myself’ – Nick Park’s emotional reaction to new Preston statue of Feathers McGraw
As ever, Michael Porter Photography was on hand to capture the magic of the day, and below you can find a selection of his fabulous shots.
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