The Elephants are coming!
Something big is coming to Worcester and it’s a chance to reconnect with family, with friends, with colleagues and with the city.
This summer will see the city transformed into a fun, free art space as a herd of beautifully designed elephant sculptures parade through Worcester’s streets and public spaces. Around thirty large elephants will go on display during an eight-week art trail alongside 35 calves designed by local schools and community groups.
A Wild in Art trail, being brought to the city by St Richard’s Hospice, Worcester’s Big Parade is a chance for local people to get out and about after staying home to stay safe for much of the last year.
St Richard’s also sees the parade as an opportunity to reflect on some of those challenges and signpost city residents to support services.
An ‘elephant in the room’ art installation will encourage trail goers to consider their mental wellbeing and the impact of issues such as bereavement and loss, loneliness and isolation which have affected so many in recent times.
Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said: ‘Worcester’s Big Parade is very much about celebrating our fantastic city and giving back to our wonderful community, who show such incredible support for our care here at St Richard’s.
‘We can’t wait to see everyone out enjoying our ele-fantastic art trail; making lasting memories for years to come. We also want to address some of the lesser talked about impacts of the pandemic, reaching out to those who might be struggling with loss, loneliness or other issues and helping them connect with local support networks.’
‘We’re looking forward to helping the city smile once again.’
Each large elephant sculpture is being funded by companies and individuals from across Worcestershire before being auctioned in October 2021 to raise funds for the free care and support that St Richard’s Hospice provides. The project builds on the hugely successful Worcester Stands Tall giraffe trail in 2018, which saw giraffe sculptures displayed across the city before raising £210,000 for St Richard’s at auction.
A host of big-name brands and locally-based organisations have signed-up as elephant sponsors include the likes of Worcester Bosch, Morgan Motor Company and Spontex.
Worcester’s Big Parade will run from Monday 12 July until Sunday 5 September 2021.
To find out more visit: www.worcestersbigparade.co.uk