'It belongs to the people': the M6 Giraffe returns to Barton this weekend as a new chapter begins

An iconic landmark that has been situated on the M6 motorway off and on for nearly a decade will be returning to its spot very soon.

One of the North West’s most recognisable roadside landmarks is making a welcome return this weekend as Gerry the Giraffe takes pride of place once again on the famous M6 advertising trailer in Barton.

Gerry the Giraffe was installed by Preston businessmen David Evans in 2017 for a bit of quirky fun but it unexpectedly captured the imagination of the public, becoming an unofficial mascot for countless journeys.

When Storm Ciara brought Gerry down in 2020, David, who runs Barton based building materials firm Stone UK, was overwhelmed by the response.

People called, emailed and even contacted local radio stations asking one simple question: ‘When is our giraffe coming back?’

It was at that moment David realised Gerry had become something much bigger than aroadside attraction.

David said: “The truth is, M6 Giraffe was never meant to be a business. It started with a smile.

”Many years ago, I decided to place a giant giraffe on top of one of our landmark advertising trailers. There was no grand plan behind it. I simply loved it. It made me smile. It felt different.”

Gerry returned again in 2022 but more storms led to yet another break.

When the giraffe triumphantly returned again in 2024, this time it had a little calf in tow too, but a year later, the pair disappeared again as preparations got underway for some exciting plans behind the scenes.

This weekend, motorists will discover what those preparations have been for when Gerry returns with his calf—and a new member of the herd too.

The new addition marks the launch of M6Giraffe.com, a new online platform which its creators say will help people discover trusted local businesses, experiences and opportunities while giving independent businesses a powerful new way to be found.

Built on the goodwill Gerry has generated over the years, the platform has been founded by the giraffe’s custodian, David, who believes the trust people already place in Gerry should be used to give something meaningful back.

”We are not building a business around a giraffe. We are building a trusted platform around something people already love.

”Our role is not to commercialise Gerry. Our role is to use the trust, curiosity and happiness he has created to give something meaningful back to people, businesses and communities.”

The platform says it has been built around a simple philosophy - helping people discover, helping businesses get discovered and helping communities thrive - and that commitment will shape how the business will grow.

”Trust will always come before revenue. Every decision we make will be guided by one simple question: Would we proudly recommend this to our own family?”

As Gerry returns to welcome motorists once again, David says the responsibility of looking after the much-loved giraffe has never been greater.

”This is no longer our giraffe. It belongs to the people. It always will.”

The team add that the launch of M6Giraffe.com represents the beginning of a new chapter—one that aims to turn everyday journeys into meaningful discoveries while supporting businesses and communities across the UK.