We meet the heavy metal superheroes that are a BIG hit at the British Tourism & Travel show at the NEC

They are the larger than life stars of the British Tourism and Travel Show – the superheroes and villains adding the ‘Pow!’ factor to this week’s annual showcase for Britain’s holiday attractions. 

Towering titans Wolverine, The Joker, a Star Wars Stormtrooper and some steampunk streetfighter reminiscent of Marvel or Mad Max stand 7ft tall – they’re head and shoulders, quite literally, above the rest during the event a the NEC.

They’re the creations of the scrap sculptors at the British Ironwork Centre & Sculpture Park in Shropshire, perhaps best known for the ‘Knife Angel’ which tours the country to remember victims of knife crime, and warn of the dangers of street violence.

The superhero sci-fi characters proved popular for selfies at the Show, which runs until Thursday March 21 at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre, showcasing attractions, destinations, hotels and tour companies.

But don't worry if you didn't manage to see them at the NEC. The sculptures are just a sample of the more than 100 artworks on display in the family-friendly Sculpture Park at the Whitehall, Aston site, which spreads over 70 acres, near Oswestry. 

It’s not the first time that British Ironwork has wowed crowds at the Tourism & Travel Show. Last year, they brought along a heavy metal Hulk and thunder god Thor with his Mjölnir hammer.

All the sculptures are made from recycled scrap metal and include everything from Cerberus, the three-headed hound of Hades, to Optimus Prime and Darth Vader, and fairytale favourites.

And they’re not resting on their laurels. A range of new artworks is under construction, including a bizarre, but rather wonderful, project to turn old washing machines and dryers into the world’s biggest Rubik’s Cube.

Visitors to the Sculpture Park can follow a variety of selfie trail maps themed on popular culture favourites such as superheroes and Minions, and a recently added animal Extinction Trail. There’s a children’s adventure playground, cafe and shop, an artisan craft village and museum, and a Nature Reserve where you can stroll through natural wetlands to spot real-life wildlife.

Be warned that the attraction is closed on Mondays and Sundays, but can be visited from Tuesday to Friday, and on Saturday. For more information and admission prices, see the official British Iron Work Centre and Sculpture Park in Shropshire website.

For information about the trade-only British Tourism & Travel Show, see the show website. Here’s a close up look at the heavy metal superheroes at the British tourism show at the NEC: