Octopus under the hammer
Summer sculpture trail installations are being sold off
They've been a colourful sight on our streets this summer - now the creatures from Octopus Ahoy! are being sold off.
It's hoped that thousands of pounds will be raised for local Essex and Tendring charities by the auction which is taking place today (Thu 23rd September) at Le Tolbooth restaurant, with auctioneers Reeman Dansie taking charge of the gavel.
Cllr Alex Porter, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism at Tendring District Council, who sponsored the trail, hailed the project a real success: "More than the data showing how many people have visited our district as a result of this, and how active they have been with millions of steps taken, the real measure of success has been the smiles on people’s faces as they picture themselves with the octopuses and what a talking point they became.
"I have heard of lots of families who have enjoyed taking on the trail, and well done to all those who became Octo-champions and found them all – that is no mean feat! The hope now is that people continue to be active, and for those who perhaps visited Tendring – or new parts of it for them – for the first time will return due to those happy memories. Beyond that legacy we also have the upcoming sculpture auction which we hope will raise plenty of money for Tendring good causes."
Katie Skingle, Director at KAT Marketing, said: “Not only are these incredible sculptures written into Tendring folklore, but now they will be part of raising funds for great causes locally to secure their legacy for generations to come. The fantastic local art pieces are bound to make tens of thousands of pounds for charity, so all art lovers need to make sure to get their bids in early and book tickets to the auction to grab a slice of local history."
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