Ipswich animal art trail announced by hospice for 2025

In 2019, 55 painted Elmers graced the pavements and open spaces of Ipswich

A charity has announced it will be hosting its fourth art trail next year.

St Elizabeth Hospice will once again put on the trail in Ipswich following the apparent success of the Big Hoot in 2022.

The design of the sculptures remains a secret, but they are due to land in the town in June 2025.

Celia Joseph, community and projects manager, said: "[It] will bring colour and positivity for the whole Suffolk community."

Owl Hands on Deck could be found at Ipswich Waterfront during the Big Hoot 2022

The hospice, which provides palliative care to patients across the county, has previously hosted three art trails in partnership with creative producers Wild in Art.

Ms Joseph continued: "The public support for our previous art trails has always been fantastic and we cannot wait to host another art trail, which will see new and exciting elements that we are sure the community will get behind and enjoy."

The Big Hoot, Elmer's Big Parade in 2019 and Pigs Gone Wild in 2016 saw between 40 and 55 animal sculptures placed across the town throughout summer.

Following each trail, the sculptures were auctioned to raise funds for the charity, raising more than £577,000 in total.

Ed Sheer-Ham was sold at auction for £6,200

Ipswich Borough Council's Labour leader Neil MacDonald said he was "delighted" another trail was on its way.

"These fantastic sculpture trails have enabled Ipswich residents to participate free of charge, visiting parts of the town they may otherwise not visit, as well as bringing many new visitors to the town," he said.