Thousands are expected to greet Cornwall’s Man Engine in Liskeard and Minions today.

The giant mechanical miner, the biggest puppet ever created in England, is marking the tenth anniversary of the designation of Cornwall’s mining landscape as a world heritage site.

It’s touring from Tavistock to Geevor at the heart of a host of community activities, music and drama.

The activity will be centred within the Parade and Fore Street. The best place to view the Man Engine itself will be in the Parade, where the road will be closed to traffic from 11am until 4pm.

Performers will entertain the crowds from a stage close to the fountain before the Man Engine transforms at 2pm. The structure will transform into an enormous miner, more than 10 metres tall, in response to the crowds singing his special anthem. During the morning, while the Man Engine’s space by the fountain is prepared, there will be storytelling by Copper Bottom Tales in Stuart House and at various points around the town, including Pike Street, Fore Street, Bay Tree Hill and the Parade. Roving minstrels and singing groups will perform in Fore Street.

Liskeard School and Community College, along with the primary schools of Menheniot, Dobwalls, St Martins, Trewidland and Darite, have been exploring the history of the Caradon mining district.

Some pupils then volunteered to play an active part in the Man Engine celebrations.

Local shops will be joining in the fun with mining-related window displays. And many of the cafes in Liskeard will be producing Cornish pasties with unusual flavoured fillings. The Liskeard Bun will also be available.

While the Parade and Barras Street will be closed between Pike Street and Dean Street, all car parks will be available for use.

The Cattle Market will have reduced parking as it is a market day. However, there will be overspill car parking at Liskeard School.

Visitors are encouraged to use train and bus services from Plymouth, Looe and surrounding districts.

There will be two processions from the railway station up into the town centre, to guide visitors arriving by train. These will leave the station upon the arrival of trains from Looe and Plymouth at around 11am and 12.15pm.