Competition launched to rename Birmingham’s much-loved ‘Raging Bull’

Rail bosses have launched a competition to give a permanent new name to the mechanical bull that wowed crowds at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Network Rail announced plans in February to install the 10-metre (32 ft) tall creation, currently called Raging Bull, in the atrium of Birmingham’s New Street station.

In a statement on Wednesday, Network Rail and the West Midlands Combined Authority said the public had been given a two-week window to email their name suggestions for the two-and-a-half-tonne bull.

Potential names will then be put to a public vote, with the winner revealed by June 23, ahead of the official unveiling of the bull in the New Street hall in July.

Major work is underway to make the bull fit for his new home.

The special effects designers at Artem, who originally built the bull, are reshaping new parts so it meets fire regulations and fitting new mechanisms so the head, eyes and tail move in ways similar to how they did- o during the Games.

Lord Peter Hendy, chairman of Network Rail, said: “A lot of work is going on to prepare the bull for its new home on Birmingham New Street, where it will be an impressive piece of art, admired by the thousands of people who use the station every day.

“Network Rail is honored to be entrusted with this much-loved icon for public display.”

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: “As well as being a delightful attraction for tourists and locals to marvel at and enjoy, the bull will always be a reminder of our success.”

Mike Kelt, CEO of special effects company Artem, said: “It was an honor to recreate the Bull so it can live on to remind everyone of the Commonwealth experience and the fantastic history that is locked in Birmingham’s past.”

Entries should be sent to [email protected] before the shortlist is announced in early June.