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17th October 2022

Three maritime living statues, commissioned by Hull Maritime, have sailed to victory to become Living Statues World Champions.

The World Living Statues Festival, World Championship took place on Sunday 16 October in the streets of Alkmaar, the Netherlands and welcomed more than 200,000 visitors.

‘Three in a Boat’ living statues competed against more than 100 acts from across 20 different countries.

Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “What better way to promote Hull and our maritime heritage by not only competing in the World Championships but winning it!

“The three statues are a great way to promote Hull Maritime in an imaginative and engaging way, appearing at the Hull Kraken and The Awakening events.

“I’d like to congratulate Andy and his team for bringing the trophy back to Hull and raising the city's profile!”

Andy Train, better known for his living statue "The Gold Man", performed as "The Docker" alongside "The Trawlerman" and "The Whaler”, highlighting some of the industries that were part of Hull’s heritage, in its heyday.

Andy, said: “An incredible opportunity to spread the word about our proud maritime heritage has become much more than we could ever dream of.

“To become the World Champions of something I have practiced for 13 years is such an honour.

“All three of us are street theatre artists in our own right and that is what clinched it. The door to the world of the living statue has reopened and Hull and the UK is represented.”

The trio made their first appearance last August when the Hull Kraken infested the city with giant inflatable tentacles appearing on key landmarks around the city. They have also entertained families at the city’s first spring festival, The Awakening delivered by Freedom Festival Arts Trust and Hull City Council.

Watch out for the characters as they will continue to entertain families and raise awareness of Hull Maritime, the major project transforming the city’s maritime treasures.