This summer, something extraordinary charges into the heart of London. THE HERDS, a powerful public artwork featuring life-size animal puppets, will make a dramatic entrance into Somerset House as part of a bold performance confronting the climate emergency.
Created by The Walk Productions, THE HERDS is a Europe-wide artistic journey that blends spectacle with activism. As this striking procession of elephants, wildebeest, wolves, deer and more moves through the city, it challenges audiences to reckon with the urgency of our environmental crisis through creativity and collective movement.
The animals, crafted from biodegradable materials and representing endangered and displaced species from around the globe, grow in number as they pass through each city. Their London journey begins in Soho, gathering energy and purpose as they cross paths with performers from the Royal Opera and the cast of Matilda The Musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Their final destination is Somerset House’s iconic courtyard, where they will arrive as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the London Design Biennale. This dramatic meeting point of public art and global design will spotlight the intersection of climate awareness, cultural expression and civic space.
The public can witness THE HERDS in motion from Strand Aldwych at approximately 4.45pm on the day of arrival, with the procession reaching Somerset House just five minutes later at 4.50pm.
Prepare for a moment that’s visually stunning, emotionally resonant and impossible to ignore. This is not just an event — it’s a call to action.