Worcester's elephant trail to start a day later as they step aside for England's Three Lions - The Bromsgrove Standard

Worcester's elephant trail to start a day later as they step aside for England's Three Lions

Bromsgrove Editorial 11th Jul, 2021   0

FINAL preparations are underway for an eight-week sculpture trail – set to see a herd of multicoloured elephants march their way into Worcester.

Worcester’s Big Parade – a Wild in Art event, brought to the city by St Richard’s Hospice – will be launched on Tuesday (July 13).

The display was due to be put up in Worcester city centre on tonight ready for tomorrow but those preparations have been put back 24 hours because the city will be busy with England fans watching the Euro 2020 final against Italy at pubs and clubs.

Tricia Cavell, Fundraising Director for St Richard’s Hospice, said: “Bringing a herd of elephants to the city, lifting them into place safely and securing them is a mammoth logistical exercise which was planned over many hours during the evening of Sunday 11 July.




“Understandably this isn’t something we can carry out safely while city revellers prepare for one of the biggest sporting occasions since 1966.

“While it isn’t ideal to be making this change to our start date, we’ll all be cheering England on. Our herd will still be every bit as spectacular on Tuesday and for eight weeks over the summer!”


The six-mile trail features 30 large elephants, 36 smaller calf sculptures and two interactive digital installations and will run until Sunday, September 5.

At the end of the trail, each large elephant will be auctioned to raise money for the hospice’s ongoing care for patients living with serious progressive illnesses and their loved ones.

Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said: “After many months of careful planning, we can’t wait to finally free our herd onto the streets and open spaces of Worcester!

“We hope you will join us for this spectacular showcase of artistic talent and raise money for local hospice care – while reconnecting with friends, with family, with colleagues and with the city.”

The 30 large sculptures have been designed and painted by artists – both from the local area and across the UK

Meanwhile, 36 calves have been created by schools and community groups, for a display in city shop windows and Crowngate Shopping Centre.

Trail maps will be available from points around the city, including Worcester Tourist Information Centre, Worcester Cathedral, Crowngate Shopping Centre and the Worcester’s Big Parade pop-up shop – located at 57a Broad Street.

There will be an app in time for the trail too, sponsored by local law firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys, which will be available from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store for £1.99.

Once the trail has ended, there will be a final chance to see all 66 sculptures together at farewell events at Worcestershire County Cricket Club from September 30 to October 3 and again from October 7 to 10.

Tickets for farewell events will go on sale later this month via www.worcestersbigparade.co.uk.

The large elephants will be auctioned to raise funds for St Richard’s later in October.

 

 

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