Giant chocolate Concorde unveiled in Bristol
It's 2 metres long and weighs an incredible 20 kilograms!
A giant model of Concorde made entirely out of chocolate has been unveiled in Bristol, as part of a scheme to highlight the region's history.
It's been made as part of a project called Edible Histories from the West of England Combined Authority and will go on display at Aerospace Bristol next week (30 June).
At 2 metres long and weighing roughly 20 kilograms, the model is one of five being sculpted out of chocolate to tell the story of the region.
The others include a ship's wheel from M Shed, and the largest chocolate button in history at Glenside Hospital Museum.
They’re all being wrapped in gold foil and displayed with the original pieces within the much-loved attractions that have signed up to the project.
Two more chocolate objects will be announced later in the year.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “West of England residents can feel rightly proud about our region’s astonishing aviation achievements - something that’s showcased and celebrated at the brilliant Aerospace Bristol.
"With its iconic pointed nose and sonic boom speeds, Concorde is probably the famous jet of all time - one designed, built and made by Bristolians, and other West of England residents.
“I’m delighted to celebrate this by showing off this supersonic chocolate creation, all part of a brilliant project celebrating the fascinating history around some of the objects and places that define this most extraordinary city – told through everyone’s favourite sweet substance”.
Chocolate has not been chosen as the material just for fun, but in fact shows off a story in Bristol's history in its own right.
The first ever chocolate Easter egg created for commercial sale was made in the city 150 years ago this year.
Before that, the first ever commercial bar of chocolate was made in Bristol.
Artist behind the project Luke Jerram said: "Concorde is an iconic piece of design, no doubt about it, and the whole point of Edible Histories is to talk about the famous items, collections and objects that make the city I'm proud to live in what it is today.
"Although, I have to say, with the climate crisis being the number one issue of our time, and considering it produced more pollution per passenger-mile than any other commercial aircraft in history, it's certainly a good thing this Concorde jet will remain on the ground!"
Sally Cordwell, CEO of Aerospace Bristol added: "This summer, Aerospace Bristol will be celebrating The Art of Flight, with visitors invited to make, draw, and explore their creative side.
"This fantastic sculpture is sure to get people thinking about where art meets engineering, so we can't wait to put it on display for visitors to enjoy, and hopefully be inspired to create aviation-themed artworks of their own."
The chocolate Concorde will be on display until October, at which point a ceremony will be held at which all five chocolate models will be broken up at a free public event.
While some of the chocolate will be eaten there and then, the rest will be distributed to local food banks.