Processional giants, or as they are sometimes known, ‘walking’ or ‘dancing’ giants are to be found in many parts of Europe and even further afield. There is barely a town or village in Belgium, Northern France or parts of Spain that does not have its own giant or even several, who regularly take part in local processions, carnivals and other civic events.
They are usually created and maintained either by groups of enthusiasts or in some cases by the local authority itself. They can vary in size from little more than life-size figures to enormous creations, often approaching twenty feet high. They are designed to be carried on the shoulders of one or more volunteers known as Porters.
The town of Ath in Belgium has a giant horse named Cheval Bayard, which requires a crew of sixteen porters to carry it, and even has to support several children sitting astride it. The figures are usually accompanied by musicians, either a local brass band or similar, or dedicated musicians belonging to the group. The giants often come in couples, one male and one female and often go through elaborate ‘marriage’ rituals before their first public outing. The giants are usually based around locals, such as civic dignitaries or officials – sometimes gently mocking them, or they may be characters from local folklore or history or even contemporary personages currently in the news.
Sidmouth’s giants are known as George, or more formally Prince George, and Sabra ‘The King of Egypt’s Daughter’. The first to be created was George, inspired by the Sidmouth Mummers Play’s St George, who is one of the heroes of the Traditional Christmas play performed every year by the group. Their second giant, Sabra, represents the Egyptian Princess who according to legend was betrothed to St George as a reward for killing the dragon. In the traditional play, St George is always referred to as ‘Prince George’ so it was decided that this should also be the giant’s official title.
The two giants are by European standards fairly modest in stature, being between twelve and thirteen feet tall, and constructed on a lightweight frame of plastic and aluminium tubing and are therefore easily carried on the shoulders of a single porter, although it does take a little practice to get used to balancing and manoeuvring them. Sidmouth giants have become a regular sight around the town, particularly on the nearest Sunday to St
George’s Day, when George is dressed in a red and white costume reflecting the colours of St George’s flag. On all other occasions, such as the Saturday of the town’s Folk Festival, he wears a green, black and white costume, comprising the colours of the Devon County flag. The giants have also made trips to neighbouring villages and appear when invited at various private functions throughout the year, subject to weather conditions. Giants do not fare well in high winds or heavy rain!
The giant’s ‘crew’, who are made up of members of the Sidmouth Mummers and Sid Vale Community Productions and other friends are always looking for new helpers to join us, particularly to act as Porters, also musicians and general support, so if you are a musician or reasonably tall, fit and strong and of a generally sociable nature, please contact us via our Facebook page – George and Sabra the Sidmouth Giants, or you may speak to anyone accompanying the giants if you see them on the streets.
Henry Piper 2022