Giant spider captivates Liverpool

La Machine amazes the city

In September 2008 a spectacular giant creature appeared in Liverpool. For five days, it captivated thousands of people across the city.

The £1.8million spider, nicknamed "La Princesse" by her handlers, was commissioned by public theatre company Artichoke. They promised the people of Liverpool a magical street spectacle on a scale never been seen here before - and Liverpool's residents agreed that they delivered on that promise in style.

La Machine was made by the same people who brought parts of London to a standstill in 2006 with The Sultan's Elephant. A brand new commission for Liverpool, it was a centrepiece of the city's year as European City of Culture 2008.

The coverage from BBC Liverpool08

BBC Liverpool08 sent mobile video correspondents out to follow the action live on the streets and post video and text updates as the story unfolded. Meet the mobile correspondents who doggedly tracked the spider around Liverpool.