Cornwall’s Man Engine is to return.

The news that the giant mechanical puppet will rise again has been announced in the wake of a major national award for the team that created the tribute to Cornwall’s mining heritage.

Just over a year ago, The Man Engine, a giant mechanical miner, steamed from the Tamar to the very tip of Cornwall to celebrate the Tinth (tenth) anniversary of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. 

Yesterday, Will Coleman and a team from Golden Tree Productions found out their creation had been voted the UK’s Best Arts Project in The National Lottery Awards, the annual search for the UK’s favourite National Lottery-funded projects. 

Now, says Will: ‘‘I am delighted to confirm that this win is a significant boost to our plans for the Man Engine to awaken again.  2018 will see him touring across Cornwall and Devon and heading to Wales and England on his travels. 

‘For now, I cannot say any more, but thank you again to everyone that voted, and watch this space for news very soon!’

Comedian, novelist and broadcaster David Baddiel travelled to King Edward Mine, Camborne, to present the Man Engine team with their award.

Baddiel said: ‘The Man Engine is extraordinary. As well as being a mechanical wonder which people have flocked to see, he has become a symbol of Cornwall’s pride and heritage. 

‘They fully deserve this award - National Lottery players should be very proud to have helped fund The Man Engine.’

Julian German, Chairman of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site Partnership, who created the initial commission which led to the Man Engine said: ‘This is obviously wonderful news for everyone in Cornwall, and beyond. 

‘As a partnership, backed by Cornwall Council, we were seeking a vision, an ambition and a tenacity that would come together in a fitting tribute to our ancestors’ efforts, ingenuity and entrepreneurialism.

‘We certainly found this in the Man Engine. 

‘Alongside his team, led by Will Coleman, the Man Engine undoubtedly captured the world’s imagination, bringing the towns and villages along the route to the attention of a national audience, driving a new excitement and understanding of the importance of our Cornwall and West Devon Mining World Heritage Sites.’

Phil Gibby, area director, Arts Council England, said: ‘Not only a colossal feat of artistic engineering and a celebration of Cornish culture, The Man Engine played an extraordinary role in bringing together almost 150,000 people to engage in a shared, spectacular cultural experience.’

Will Coleman said: ‘Last year, we collectively pulled off something truly spectacular, working together with people all over Cornwall and West Devon to make the Man Engine tour the length of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site a reality.  

‘This year, we’ve done it again thanks to almost 8,000 people voting for the Man Engine to become the country’s favourite Arts project in the National Lottery Awards.  What a phenomenal response.

‘I simply want to thank everyone who commissioned us, supported us, sponsored us, volunteered for us, sang for us, helped us along the way, or simply came to see us and took part. The personal and family stories of triumph and tragedy have been deeply moving.’