Rochdale welcomed a remarkable guest this week: an 8.5-metre-tall baby named Lilly, who made a surprise appearance at the town hall.
Lilly invited hundreds of local schoolchildren to share their thoughts on the future of our environment, discussing their hopes for protecting animals and nature, and envisioning the world they want to live in alongside her.
This eye-catching visit was part of the upcoming Wild Wanders illuminated nature trail event, set to take place next month at Hollingworth Lake Country Park. The initiative aims to amplify children’s voices in the crucial conversation about climate change.
While Lilly’s arrival surprised many residents, schools had received letters earlier this month inviting pupils to meet her outside Rochdale Town Hall. They were encouraged to express their ideas through poems, artwork, performances and songs, all of which is being recorded and showcased during the Wild Wanders event.
Outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank have collaborated with over 240 local schoolchildren, community groups, and artists to foster a connection with nature and enhance engagement on climate issues. Participants have created striking flags, lanterns, and puppets that will illuminate the trail.
From October 24-27, visitors will embark on an enchanting walk featuring local wildlife, enhanced by soundscapes, light displays, projections, and captivating fire installations. The soundtrack will incorporate the voices of local children expressing their hopes for the natural world.
Rochdale Borough Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2038.
Councillor Sue Smith said: “The response from the children to Lilly has been incredible, and their excitement was wonderful to witness. Interest in Wild Wanders has been overwhelming, with thousands of tickets selling out in just a few hours. It’s vital to spark conversations about climate change and empower Rochdale’s children to envision a better world. I eagerly await Lilly’s return next month; it promises to be a magical experience.”
Liz Pugh, executive producer at Walk the Plank, added: “The children were thrilled to meet Lilly and offered thoughtful responses about their vision for the future. We recorded their desires for more green spaces, less pollution, and fewer single-use plastics. It’s inspiring to see how seriously they take their role as guardians of the planet, and they’ve provided us with wonderful artwork and letters.”
Wild Wanders is a collaborative effort between Rochdale Borough Council, the internationally acclaimed outdoor arts company Walk the Plank, and partners including the Local Cultural Education Partnership (LCEP), Culture Co-Op, Rochdale Development Agency, Your Trust, and Hopwood Hall College and University Centre. The event is funded by Arts Council England and the Garfield Weston Foundation.
This initiative is part of a broader cultural education program in Rochdale, aimed at engaging young people and giving voice to their concerns about the climate emergency.
