Komatsu Monster

Designed especially for the Show, the Komatsu Monster wowed audiences as the centrepiece of night time entertainment in the mid-1990s.

Date c.1994
Subjects Sideshow Alley/Amusements
Dimensions 25.5cm x 18.5cm
Reference Number 9986
Medium Photograph

Before the Second World War, the Public Grandstand allowed patrons to watch the serious side of showing, such as the judging of cattle and horses. In 1948, however, the area hosted a performance of Tchaikovsky's '1812 Overture', with the climactic sounds of cannon fire in the song's finale provided by real field guns and anti-aircraft guns. This spectacular event ushered in an era of thrilling Show entertainment that continues to this day, including the Manchester Unity Rocket Man, rodeo, human cannonballs, giant mechanised dragons, FMX stunt shows, and great escapes!

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