A giant puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee has embarked on a tour of England, visiting landmark destinations to take part in World Refugee Week.
Little Amal, designed to highlight the plight of child refugees, became an international symbol of human rights after she journeyed from the Turkish-Syrian border to Manchester last July. On Sunday, the 3.5m puppet began her New Steps New Friends tour, visiting 10 towns and cities across England to share her resilient and hopeful message: "Don't forget about us."
Last summer, Little Amal travelled almost 5,000 miles across Turkey and Europe "in search of her mother" before settling in Manchester.
READ MORE: Little Amal visits Liverpool, times, where to see her, tickets & more
Artistic director Amir Nazir said: "The whole project stems from the idea that refugees are thought of as a problem, when actually they're not, they're potential. By walking with Amal through cities and through communities, creating a big art spectacle and creating big moments where the community can gather and think of itself and how it receives others, proves the case that refugees shouldn't be regarded as a burden. The awareness to the plight of refugees is always crucial."
How does Little Amal work?
Three or four puppeteers control Little Amal. Two operate the arms using poles attached to the hands, one puppeteer supports the back, and the interior puppeteer stands on stilts within the legs.
Where is Little Amal now?
Little Amal begins her tour in Manchester and will go on to visit Bradford, Leeds and journey to the Liverpool, as well as meeting the communities in Birmingham, Cheltenham and Bristol's historic Old City and Harbour.
She will return to the Southbank Centre in London and visit Stonehenge before finishing her journey on the beach in Folkestone in Kent - where she first arrived as a refugee a year ago.
When is Little Amal in Liverpool?
Little Amal will arrive in Liverpool on Tuesday, June 21. She'll arrive at 12pm and be a guest of honour in the city for two hours until 2pm.
The event is completely free to attend and no booking is required.
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