Big Hoot arts trail launches in Ipswich
It's just the latest trail to hit the town - after the pigs and the elephants
The Big Hoot arts trail has officially launched in Ipswich - with 50 large owl scuptures making the town their home over the summer.
They've been scattered around the town centre as part of the project, put together by Elizabeth Hospice in partnership with Wild in Art.
Several dozen smaller owl statues have been given to local businesses and organisations to put on display.
It's just the latest animal-based statue trail to be held in Ipswich, after Pigs Gone Wild in 2016 and Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk in 2019.
A launch event was held at Christchurch Park on Sunday (June 19), with hundreds taking part in a 'Hoot Hike' to see the trail for the first time.
It's thought previous arts trails brought a £1m boost to the local economy by encouraging more people to visit the town centre.
The owl sculptures are available for everyone to see along a route through the town between June 19 and September 3.
The 50 Big Hoot sculptures will then go under the hammer to raise money for St Elizabeth Hospice.
Celia Joseph, community relationships fundraising manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “What a perfect way to start the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022. It was fantastic to see people of all ages coming out to enjoy their first glimpse of the art trail, exploring Ipswich and supporting St Elizabeth Hospice at the same time.
“Thank you to all the amazing businesses who have got behind the Big Hoot and to our fantastic volunteers who made the Hoot Hike possible – you are all superstars. If you would like to volunteer for the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 be sure to contact our volunteering team on volunteer@stelizabethhospice.org.uk.”
You can find out more about the Big Hoot here.