| Ah well, that we will never know exactly, but Mr Dave Lobb was almost
single handedly responsible for the regeneration of giants within England.
His obvious skill at design and build of processional figures has inspired
lesser mortals to produce figures of their own.
Spain, Catalunya, France, Belguim, Holland and Germany all have strong Giant traditions - but they escaped the English civil war (naturally....) so their tradition has survived for centuaries. In England we can but aim to emulate their skill and professionalism. Some groups in the UK are getting there. IMHO The Sheffield Giants have nearly got it; no-one else comes close. Having said all that the English Giant Tradition is slowly establishing itself and becoming distinct from the continental Gegant teams. |
Well, moving on, What is a Giant ??
In the UK a Giant is a Figure about 2-5 Meters Tall, with a Head (no ears in UK giants for some reason....don't ask me, it's probably tradition) Arms, Clothes, sometimes a hat and some other bits and pieces. Visit this link for the British Isles Giants Guild for a better explaination. Once built, this figure is carried in procession accompanied by drums, whistles, bells and if you are lucky, musicians. This has the effect of alarming dogs, small children and people of a nevous disposition. The giants do not fight, nor do much except dance if the whim takes them. Pictures - look in the gallery |