Unsuspecting pubgoers got a ‘mammoth’ surprise as a life‑size replica of Belfast’s most famous elephant, Sheila returned to the cobbles of Commercial Court outside The Duke of York, The Dark Horse and Harp Bar with a fresh new look last night (Wednesday 3 December).
First unveiled during the bars’ September’s alternative culture night dubbed ‘Nil From the Hill’, the spectacular moving elephant was created by local carnival and film prop makers known as The Elephant Men in homage to the remarkable story of Sheila the elephant.
During the Belfast Blitz, the baby elephant was taken home at night by a kind Belfast zookeeper for safekeeping; a tale that has passed warmly through generations and continues to capture imaginations today.
On her first outing, Shiela delighted unsuspecting crowds as she glided through the narrow throughfare, spurting water from her trunk and dropping dung as she made her passage through the crowds.
Now, her festive comeback brought even more magic, as she appeared, donned in fur to brave the winter chill, as snowy scenes transformed the iconic Belfast street, much to the joy of regular customers gathered outside The Duke of York. There were smiles and laughter aplenty as Sheila made her way through the crowd, blowing bubbles from her trunk, and her rump!
A series of surprise pop‑up performances enhanced the seasonal atmosphere, as fan favourites The Causeway Shantymen returned in rousing song, along with the thunderous Spark! Worldbeaters whose signature blend of high‑energy drumming and street theatre stopped passersby in their tracks.
Sheila’s surprise return follows the addition of a striking new neon light installation, honouring the beloved elephant on Commercial Court.
Commissioned by publicans Willie and Joanne Jack and created by local neon light specialists Sign Craft and design agency, Sort Design, the vibrant artwork features a neon yellow outline of Sheila, accompanied by a powerful message encouraging passersby to look after each other.
A new take on the tradition of festive window displays, the neons are affixed to the windows of the former Hadskis unit. Large neon yellow letters spell out ‘LOOK AFTER’ and ‘EACH OTHER’ on either side of an outline drawing of Sheila and words immortalising her famed story.
The striking new installation was created by Sign Craft based just outside Belfast; the company that created the iconic canopy of 21 rainbow‑coloured illuminated umbrellas outside The Duke of York, as well as the Orpheus Ballroom of Romance sign, and the iconic Teenage Kicks / Undertones neon sign in The Dark Horse Courtyard. The now iconic umbrellas were first created as a symbol of hope and brighter days ahead, emerging from the pandemic. The new neon piece builds on that same spirit and is a gentle reminder of Belfast’s enduring spirit and sense of community.
Commenting on the installation and planned events, Willie Jack said: “The National Museum in Cardiff might have ‘Sir Tom Bones’, but now Belfast has its own Mammoth, modeled on Sheila’s furry ancestors. As she made her way though Commercial Court, blowing bubble kisses from both ends, you couldn’t help but smile. And that’s what we set out to do: to bring a little animation, excitement, joy and wonder to our wee corner of the city, with an important message running beneath it all.
“As we head into the busy festive period, we felt Shiela’s story, which is one of kindness and community, was particularly pertinent – a timely reminder that we all need to look out for each other.”
Additional surprise pop‑ups will take place over the coming weeks, as Willie Jack once again leans into Belfast’s love of stories, songs and spontaneous moments of joy.