Commonwealth Games Brummie Bull given hope for future by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street

The Brummie Bull - the animated mechanical bull that became the unexpected star of the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony and has grown even more popular since he bid farewell to Centenary Square last week.

The bull, also known as the raging bull, was moved out if his beloved home on Friday September 23 as tents were erected nearby to host the Conservative Party Conference. The bull was visted by over four million visitors while he was in his spot by the Hall of Memory, according to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Festival who own him.

He has since been spotted looking somewhat forlorn behind a brick wall in a carpark in Ladywood. In a post from his unofficial account on Saturday (September 24) the Brummie Bull said: “Mornin Babs, feeling very lonely, sad and unloved this morning. Please can someone let me know what is happening.”

But West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has stepped in to reassure Birmingham residents that the beloved bull will be back. “I know a lot of people are concerned about where the Bull is & his future, but rest assured he’s just gone away for some TLC & an oil change. His step away from the limelight will be short lived, and he’ll be back soon in a very permanent and obvious place,” he tweeted.

What did the Birmingham 2022 Games organisers say?

Previously, the organisers of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games reassured the public that they are in advanced discussions with a local venue so that the Raging Bull can have a permanent home and will remain as a free to view attraction.

“Plans are currently being finalised and organisers confirmed that they hope to announce more in the coming weeks once a full feasibility study and safety report is completed. The move comes as per the Organising Committee’s original plan that was communicated in August, with the Bull’s departure making way for the start of this weekend’s Birmingham Pride celebrations.

“The 2.5 tonne Raging Bull has become the most visited tourist attraction in Birmingham since it’s storming appearance in July’s Opening Ceremony. With nearly five million visitors to the city centre during Games time, the Commonwealth Games, and it’s 10m tall megastar, beat previous records for footfall in the city centre by over half a million,” they said.

Martin Green CBE, Birmingham 2022’s Chief Creative Officer said: “Raging Bull was a delight to work with. Dependable, sturdy, and really quite stoic in his task. Despite being seen in all his resplendent bovine glory by more visitors than any other attraction in the city’s history, he’s kept his hooves firmly on the ground and been a total pro throughout.”

What did the Brummie Bull say before he left Centenary Square?

In a rare interview the Raging Bull commented: “I have had a truly fabullous time. Birmingham’s people really are adoreabull. The city really bulled out all the stops and made this time so unbullievable not just for me, but for the international sports stars that came to the Games. I have been in over 4million selfies so the steaks have been raised for future Games. Farewell to my Brummy family, I shall return soon and take the city by the horns once more!!”

What part did the Brummie Bull play in the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony?

The iconic bull played a key part in the Opening Ceremony, first appearing alongside female performers representing the female chain-makers of the Industrial Revolution - who were actually making chains for the slave trade. The irony being that they too were slaves of sort, as they were underpaid and overworked.

However they got to take back control in 1910 by participating in the 1910 minimum wage strike. Back at the show the bull was running away and escaping, which becomes a catalyst for the women to break free from their chains at the same time.

When the team of young athletes, called Stella and the Dreamers, around which the Opening Ceremony show was based, catch up with the bull on their journey through time they choose not to be scared. Instead they embrace the traumatised and scarred creature - a touching reminder of how everyone is worthy of love, whatever their circumstances.

It’s also a poignant pointer to a key part of the Brummie spirit - embracing diversity and multiculturalism and giving everyone a warm welcome. Alright Bab!

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