Worcester’s third public art trail is set to take place next summer, featuring 40 penguin sculptures lining the city’s streets for eight weeks. The project, called the Waddle of Worcester, aims to raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice, with smaller penguin chicks designed by schools and community groups also set to appear.
The sculptures will be sponsored by businesses and brought to life with designs created by artists from Worcestershire and beyond. At the end of the trail, the figures will be auctioned off to raise further funds for the hospice. This follows successful previous trails, Worcester Stands Tall and Worcester’s Big Parade, which raised over £700,000 combined.
Why penguins?
Sara Matthews, business development manager at St Richard’s Hospice, explained the reasoning behind choosing penguins as the theme for the Waddle of Worcester: “There are a number of reasons why we chose penguins. They live in communities and, when the weather is cold, they huddle together. We, as an organisation, have tried to do this and wrap our arms around the community. It’s synonymous with who we are and what we do.” She added, “We can’t wait to see our huddle of happy penguins standing among Worcester’s iconic landmarks.”
Community engagement and increased footfall
Mike Lloyd, center manager at Crowngate, expressed his excitement about the project, stating that the sculptures would bring color to the city center and create community engagement. He said, “St Richard’s touches so many people’s lives. They are absolutely professional – experts in what they do.”
Sam McCarthy, CEO of Worcester BID, also praised the sculptures, saying they bring a magical element to the streets and create a vibrant place. She added that previous trails resulted in retailers saying they were “trading at the same level as the Victorian Fayre.”
Presenting Partners, including Crowngate, DRPG, and Worcester City Council, support the great Waddle of Worcester, alongside Community and Education Partner, Worcester BID, and Media Partners, the Worcester News and BBC Hereford & Worcester.
The great Waddle of Worcester will run from Monday, July 22 to Sunday, September 15, 2024. The fundraiser promises to be a fun and unique experience for locals and tourists alike, while supporting the important work of St Richard’s Hospice in providing care to patients, loved ones, and bereaved people across Worcestershire.
