His Nantes-based business, Royal de Luxe, delivered the three Giants visits to the city –Sea Odyssey, Memories of August 1914 and, the final act of the trilogy, Liverpool’s Dream

Giants mastermind Jean Luc Courcoult will this week receive the Freedom of the City from Liverpool for his “outstanding contribution to the city”.

His Nantes-based business, Royal de Luxe, delivered the three Giants visits to the city –Sea Odyssey, Memories of August 1914 and, the final act of the trilogy, Liverpool’s Dream, which saw 1.3m people flock to the streets of Liverpool and Wirral in October 2018.

It was the city region’s biggest, and most successful-ever free event, generating £60.6m for the local economy. The ceremony will take place on Thursday and Royal de Luxe will also be admitted to the Freedom Roll of Associations and Institutions.

Jean Luc said: “I am touched and overwhelmed by this recognition. Liverpool holds a very special place in my heart. Audiences embraced our Giant family, and there was no other city where we wanted to do the final-ever show.

“I would like to thank the Mayor and the council for giving myself and Royal de Luxe this accolade – it is a career highlight and a memory I will treasure for years to come.”

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: “Seeing first-hand the impact of a major cultural event on people who live, work and visit this great city is always truly humbling. On three occasions, Royal de Luxe and the creative genius that is Jean Luc brought our city to an awe-struck standstill.

“The Giant family became part of our family – we welcomed them into our communities, explored city streets alongside them, cried with them and laughed with them.

“This city shone under the international spotlight and the Freedom accolade is a chance for us to say thank you for transforming our streets and transporting an audience of millions to a magical world with this world-class art.”