Final preparations are underway for an eight-week sculpture trail set to see a herd of multicoloured elephants march their way into Worcester.

There are just days to go before Worcester’s Big Parade – a Wild in Art event, brought to the city by St Richard’s Hospice – is launched on Monday July 12.

The six-mile trail features 30 large elephants, 36 smaller calf sculptures and two interactive digital installations and will run until Sunday, September 5.

At the end of the trail, each large elephant will be auctioned to raise money for the hospice’s ongoing care for patients living with serious progressive illnesses and their loved ones.

Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said: “After many months of careful planning, we can’t wait to finally free our herd onto the streets and open spaces of Worcester!

“We hope you will join us for this spectacular showcase of artistic talent and raise money for local hospice care – while reconnecting with friends, with family, with colleagues and with the city.”

The 30 large sculptures have been designed and painted by artists – both from the local area and across the UK.

Meanwhile, 36 calves have been created by schools and community groups, for a display in city shop windows and Crowngate Shopping Centre.

Trail maps will be available from points around the city, including Worcester Tourist Information Centre, Worcester Cathedral, Crowngate Shopping Centre and the Worcester’s Big Parade pop-up shop – located at 57a Broad Street, Worcester.

There will be an app in time for the trail too, sponsored by local law firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys, which will be available from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store for £1.99.

Once the trail has ended, there will be a final chance to see all 66 sculptures together at farewell events at Worcestershire County Cricket Club on Thursday September 30 - Sunday October 3 and again from Thursday October 7 - Sunday October 10 2021.

Tickets for farewell events will go on sale later this month via www.worcestersbigparade.co.uk. The large elephants will be auctioned to raise funds for St Richard’s later in October.

Worcester’s Big Parade is supported by partners Crowngate, Worcester City Council, Worcester Business Improvement District (BID), DRPG, West Midland Safari Park, the Worcester News and BBC Hereford & Worcester.

To find out more, visit www.worcestersbigparade.co.uk.

You can also follow Worcester’s Big Parade at www.facebook.com/WorcestersBigParade, www.twitter.com/WorcsBigParade and www.Instagram.com/WorcsBigParade