The Clangers are unique, imaginary creatures from another planet who form a 'nuclear' family from an entirely separate world somewhere in space. The Clanger family are inquisitive, adventurous, creatures who are very loving and supportive of the other family members and inhabitants of their small blue planet, communicating with their now famous high-pitched Clanger whistle.

Their planet is covered in metal lids, which protect the entrances to their underground home from the many interesting objects that pass their way from outer space. These lids clang open rather like dustbin lids and lend the Clangers their name.

The Clangers share their planet with a variety of wondrous creatures. The Soup Dragon lives in a well and provides the Clangers with Green Soup. The Froglets live in a mysterious vertical pond deep in the core of the planet and travel about in a top-hat, and the Iron Chicken - a great one for collecting things, lives on a nest of old scrap iron she has picked up on her travels.

The programmes were 'ground breaking' when first shown on BBC television in1969, the year man first landed on the moon. As such, the Clangers are fondly remembered by many as a cult series which now represents the strong retro appeal from that period.

Today the programmes continue to delight fans both old and new, so much so that the Clangers were voted No.13 by the British Film Institute “Children’s Youth Category” 2000 and No.13 again in Channel 4’s “100 Greatest Kid’s TV Shows” in 2001.

In May 2002, Kidsbrands Europe was commissioned to establish awareness and popularity of the Clangers. Awareness of the Clangers was found to be around 60% (47% amongst 16-24yr olds rising to 82% amongst the 35-45yr olds).

Links: Smallfilms