Entertainment giants
NEW Lanark World Heritage Site was transformed into Land of the Giants.
Puppets up to 5m high were paraded around New Lanark by 60 Catalonian
people from Vacarisses, near Barcelona.
Given the recent downpours in this area, it seemed a tall order that the visiting delegation would enjoy dry weather.
But New Lanark Visitor Centre development officer Graeme Maciver revealed that conditions remained fine on Saturday throughout the spectacular 90 minute show.
"It went very well," Graeme said. "There haven't been many of these type of performances in the UK. And we've never had the Catalonian giants here before.
"It was definitely a bonus that the weather stayed dry.
"It was stunning to see the height of the giants, especially when they were standing with the waterfall at their backs.
"The performers took turns carrying the puppets on their shoulder.
''Although the puppets are not heavy, they are awkward to carry."
The procession, by performance group Colla Gegantera, was led by two
musicians playing traditional Spanish music on pipes, flutes and drums.
Parade puppets included the Spaniards' village mayor, his wife and a giant cow, accompanied by a group including 20 youngsters dressed in cow costumes.
The event was udder heaven for the spectators, who included coach parties with students from Japan and America.
"They didn't expect to see giants walking about," Graeme said."So there was much clicking of cameras!"
The New Lanark performance marked the final leg of the Spaniards' six-day Scottish tour.
They also entertained Scottish audiences with celebratory costumed dance, traditional music and Catalonian culture.
Graeme said the tourists thoroughly enjoyed their time in Clydesdale.
"The Spaniards went round the visitor centre," he added.
"The area they are from is a textile area, so they are into textiles and fabrics.
"So it has a strong link with New Lanark, as we are a cotton mill."
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Weather for Carluke
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
