Is your Giant or Beast still active or has it retired?
Still active
Description: Avona is a collaboration between river bride Meg Avon, puppet maker Saskia Tomlinson and the wider community of river lovers in Bristol. She is a 10 foot long river spirit made with mostly local natural materials. She was designed and built by the community who care about the quality and life of our local river. She was build at Puppet Place which is by the Avon and has done a number of events and protest throughout the year. Her design is inspired by the wild animals that are found in the Avon eg eels and crayfish, but also embodies the spirit of Bristol having disco balls for eyes and reflective elements. Every outing we do with Avona her skin gets thicker (as do eels as they get older) The public interact with her by tying on wishs/intentions for the river in the forms of scrap fabric that we bless with the water from the Avon. She is evolving and growing every time she comes out and so is her story.
Is there is a folktale connected to your Giant or Beast? Avona is the goddess of the Avon. Originally in folklore she was the prize for whoever won the competition to drain the great lake. The two brother giants Goram and Vincent competed and in doing so created the Avon gorge. In our retelling the giants are too focused on their work they don’t notice Avona slipping off into the river deciding to not be with either of them as her ability as the river is much more powerful . After some time she rises up angry and strong to gather her community and protest against the polluting and abusing of the river and protect the wild life, nature and people she represents.
What was the first event the Giant/Beast attended?
The first event she attended was her birthing ceremony. We did a procession down through the woods to the river followed by around a hundred people. We did the first tying on of wishes and blessed her with singing, poetry and synchronised swimming
Any tales of outings/visits/strange and wonderful occurrences or special memories that should go down in History
Yes so many: A beautiful ceremony at Greenman festival 2025 where we went down to the river with her sister puppet The goddess of the Wye. Hundreds of people were shouting out the rivers that might something to them. We did a photo shot where we put Avona in the water and puppeteered her with free divers. This was amazing to see her take shape in her natural habitat and see what we can do with water based puppetry. She has been to many river events, festivals, pilgrimages, ceremonies and protests throughout the year. Most recently she went to Bristol city hall to support the signing of the charter that gives the rivers rights. This was signed unanimously by the council.
How is it stored? She packs down quite small, she is stored in Megs loft and can be transported in a small car.
What can you tell us about how it is carried and by who? The main puppeteer wears a backpack. Then one other carries the tail. We also have an additional claw that comes out when we have enough puppeteers. Saskia Tomlinson normally puppeteers her.
If you notice an error in this information, want to ask for additional details to be added or request the removal of any image or information, please contact us quoting the reference number above via email in the footer.
Avona
Location: Bristol
Year / Period Created
2025
Description:
Avona is a collaboration between river bride Meg Avon, puppet maker Saskia Tomlinson and the wider community of river lovers in Bristol. She is a 10 foot long river spirit made with mostly local natural materials. She was designed and built by the community who care about the quality and life of our local river. She was build at Puppet Place which is by the Avon and has done a number of events and protest throughout the year. Her design is inspired by the wild animals that are found in the Avon eg eels and crayfish, but also embodies the spirit of Bristol having disco balls for eyes and reflective elements. Every outing we do with Avona her skin gets thicker (as do eels as they get older) The public interact with her by tying on wishs/intentions for the river in the forms of scrap fabric that we bless with the water from the Avon. She is evolving and growing every time she comes out and so is her story.
Is there is a folktale connected to your Giant or Beast?
Avona is the goddess of the Avon. Originally in folklore she was the prize for whoever won the competition to drain the great lake. The two brother giants Goram and Vincent competed and in doing so created the Avon gorge. In our retelling the giants are too focused on their work they don’t notice Avona slipping off into the river deciding to not be with either of them as her ability as the river is much more powerful . After some time she rises up angry and strong to gather her community and protest against the polluting and abusing of the river and protect the wild life, nature and people she represents.
How is it stored?
She packs down quite small, she is stored in Megs loft and can be transported in a small car.
What can you tell us about how it is carried and by who?
The main puppeteer wears a backpack. Then one other carries the tail. We also have an additional claw that comes out when we have enough puppeteers. Saskia Tomlinson normally puppeteers her.
Ref: 35 BFG
If you notice an error in this information, want to ask for additional details to be added or request the removal of any image or information, please contact us quoting the reference number above via email in the footer.
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