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A marching band fit for royalty and a life sized Bluey has greeted fans outside Australia House in London.
The building’s been re-named into ‘Bluey House’ for a day, in recognition of the Australian cartoon hero.
The animated children’s series from Australia centres around a family of dogs and the adventures of puppy Bluey as she engages in imaginary play with her sister Bingo.
These fans say they were pleasantly surprised.
“I liked it very much. I was quite surprised but its really nice to see it come all this way. It’s great, so exciting to see something like this in London!”
Bluey has also received another honour from the Australian High Commission in London: a Special Recognition Award for its cultural impact across the United Kingdom and the world.
Stephen Smith is Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK.
“I will award today the highest honour I am authorised to give… People with higher authority and higher responsibility will have to think that through carefully.”
The award is the first of its kind and celebrates the spectacular growth of the show, which is broadcast in more than 60 countries.
Mr Smith says the show’s success in the UK and around the world is testament to the ingenuity and artistry of Australia’s creative industries.
“It allows modern day Australian stories to be taken to the world. It’s also great for the Australian High Commission because it enables us through our creative and cultural diplomacy to make links with the United Kingdom in a way in which otherwise is not possible.”
It’s a sentiment that resonates with the show’s fans.
Bluey has been praised for the way it has tackled a range of subjects, including things like mental health.
This mother says that’s part of the reason why the show resonates with her family.
“I love Bluey. I think it’s a great educational program for children. It teaches really good values. And I just think it’s a great watch for kids as well.”
REPORTER: “Everyone have fun today?”
MOTHER “Really good fun! Even my dog loves Bluey! Apparently the colours are really good for dogs to watch.”
The special event coincided with the release of an unexpected extra episode that kept fans guessing in the midst of speculation the show was coming to an end.
A special long episode titled ‘The Sign’ followed the Heeler family as they put their house up for sale bringing tears to many little eyes.
