Salisbury’s processional Giant needs our help for 2024 goings

Christopher III's cloak needs work done to be ready for next year

Author: Aaron HarperPublished 19th Aug 2023

Another chance to see Salisbury’s processional giant, Christopher III, in 2023 has been called off due to the weather forecast.

We were due to be seeing the giant in the Market Square today (Saturday 19th August).

Traditionally, Christopher and his hobby horse called Hob Nob, come out to celebrate significant national events, such as the Coronation, and local civic events.

But our help is needed to get Christopher ready for 2024 and beyond.

We spoke to Paul Sample, who helps manage Christopher and his goings.

Paul told Greatest Hits Radio that every photo with the Giant is all part of passing on his legacy in Salisbury:

“It’s an important part of building people’s collective community memory.

An appeal is being made to support the “Whifflers” who support Christopher.

“We need to make sure he can continue in future,” Paul said, “We’re looking for seamstresses and tailors and people who can help with iron work,” he added.

Further help in terms of storage is needed over the winter.

Paul believes it’s vital to keep the Giant as part of Salisbury’s culture. He said this Giant is “by far” the oldest left in England. Only 140 are left now.

“We can directly trace the history of Christopher back to the 15th century. It’s quite possible that he was part civic life at the Cathedral a thousand years ago.”

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