A penguin-themed arts festival set for Worcester has secured sponsorship from an engineering firm.

Yamazaki Mazak will sponsor The Great Waddle of Worcester which is set to take place in the summer.

This event, organised by St Richard's Hospice, will see firms from across the city supporting the initiative, which features 40 large penguin sculptures and 40 chicks.

Worcester News: Richard Smith and Sara MatthewsRichard Smith and Sara Matthews (Image: St Richards Hospice)

Arranged in an art trail across the city's public areas, the exhibition will run from July 22 to September 15.

The colourful procession, part of a Wild in Art event, will raise money for St Richard's Hospice which annually provides care for more than 3,100 adults with severe progressive illnesses.

At the end of the eight-week initiative, the larger penguins will be auctioned to raise funds for the hospice, while the chicks will find new homes in schools and groups.

This year's event is the third edition, following successful giraffe and elephant-themed trails in 2018 and 2021, which together raised £700,000.

Mazak had partnered with the initiative in 2021, backing the 'Strawberryphant' elephant.

Events included art workshops for Mazak staff and families, a charity raffle, and strawberry-themed desserts served at lunchtime.

Before the revealing of the full 80-penguin line-up to visitors in July, Mazak will get an opportunity early this year to review the design of the sculpture it is sponsoring.

Richard Smith, European group managing director at Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd, said: "After the success of 2021’s elephant parade, we were more than happy to sign up for the 2024 edition.

"The Great Waddle of Worcester is a fantastic initiative for a worthy cause, with St Richard’s Hospice providing invaluable care to patients.

"We look forwards to seeing the penguins light up the city’s parks and streets."

The festival is supported by presenting partners including Crowngate, DRPG, Worcester City Council and Worcestershire Ambassadors, Community and Education Partner, Worcester BID and Media Partners, the Worcester News and BBC Hereford & Worcester.

Sara Matthews, business development manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said: "We’re delighted Mazak are joining us once again after sponsoring the amazing Strawberryphant in 2021.

"As one of the city’s proud employers, we can’t wait for Worcester to meet the Mazak penguins."