On Roald Dahl Day, Wednesday 13 September a unique LEGO® brick build of Charlie, good-hearted hero of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, was revealed at Central Library.
There are six favourite Roald Dahl child heroes appearing in different locations across the UK to mark Roald Dahl Day – the global celebration of the world’s number one storyteller on his birthday.
Charlie Bucket is composed of 8,960 bricks and took 53 hours to construct. Central Library is also home to two Roald Dahl-themed BookBenches, which were created by local children as part of the Read Manchester BookBench trail.
Watch this timelapse (minute long) video of Charlie being built!
Local families who attended the family fun day at Central Library on Sunday 10 September were the first to catch a special sneak preview of Charlie before the official unveiling.
As part of the Roald Dahl Day celebrations, 20 pupils who decorated a BookBench inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will receive a personalised copy of My Golden Ticket, which has been created by publisher Wonderbly in collaboration with the Roald Dahl Literary Estate. The children from Oswald Road Primary School will become the hero of their very own chocolate factory adventure, with copies presented to some of them at the library.
Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Executive Member (Schools, Culture & Leisure), Manchester City Council, said:
“We’re very much looking forward to having Charlie Bucket here in Manchester Central Library. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one of the most popular children’s books ever, and children will be pleased to know they don’t need a golden ticket to come along to the library to see him for themselves. I’ve already had a sneak peek and he looks amazing. Come along, have a look, borrow a copy of the book if you haven’t read it yet, or grab yourself another good read whilst you’re here if you have time.”
Charlie will stay at Central Library for two months and visitors are encouraged to share their pictures using #LegoCharlie, #RoaldDahlDay and #ReadMCR on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.