Elmer's Big Parade Blackpool

Blackpool
13 April 24  – 9 June 24
Brian House Children's hospice

Elmer's Big Parade Blackpool

As the first Wild in Art event to come to the Blackpool, Elmer’s Big Parade featured a trail of over 70 Elmer the Patchwork Elephant sculptures, inspired by David McKee’s beloved children’s book character. To bring this unforgettable event to the seaside resort, Wild in Art partnered with Brian House, the only children’s hospice on the Fylde coast.

Each large sculpture had each been uniquely decorated by established and up and coming artists, creating a parade through the town that was enjoyed by visitors and locals from 13 April until 9 June 2024. The sculptures were placed around key landmarks, streets, and open spaces across Blackpool and trail-goers were encouraged to visit as many as possible.

On Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 June, all the sculptures came together for a final farewell event in Blackpool Tower. As well as bringing people to the town and celebrating the diversity of local communities, the event raised much needed funds for Brian House. The auctioning of the large sculptures on 27 June raised £143,550 for the local charity.

475k+

Sculptures Unlocked

269k+

Rewards Collected
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25.4k+

Miles Walked
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4.3k+

Photos Shared

What they say…

An incredible £143,550

was raised at a dazzling charity auction of 40 Elmer sculptures. The proceeds will support Brian House Children’s Hospice, the only specialist children’s hospice for the Fylde coast.

Participating artists

Blackpool Illuminations Team
Natalie Bowker
Rachael and Phillippa Corcutt
Lois Cordelia
Harrie Dearing
Sian Ellis
Ali Elly
Emma Everitt
Rhiannon Fryer
Lucy Hebden

Steve Johnson
Hannah Jayne Lewin
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen
Marnie Maurri
Lesley McKenzie
Nicola Mills
Fiona Montgomery
MrASingh
Sarah Nash
Helen Naylor

Donna Newman
Jenny Pearce
Jess Perrin
Natalie Ratcliffe
Zoe Ruckledge
Cathy Simpson
Megan Smith-Evans
Tim Sutcliffe
Amy Tomlinson

Most Voted For

Blackpool Rock

App players voted for their favourite sculpture and the unique, Blackpool-to-the-core ‘Blackpool Rock’ came out on top!

Rock has been made in Blackpool for over 100 years and has become synonymous with the well-loved seaside resort. Generations of visitors have loved biting into the sweet indulgence with the delight of seeing Blackpool down the centre.

Inspired by the traditional seaside treat, ‘Blackpool Rock’ Elmer has Blackpool running right through his middle.

About Elmer the Patchwork Elephant

Elmer remains one of the most iconic and widely read children’s book series of all time, selling over 10 million copies worldwide since it was first published by Andersen Press in 1989.

Written and illustrated by celebrated children’s author and artist David McKee, the Elmer books have been translated into more than 60 languages and now new books, toys and clothing add to the world of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant.

About Brian House

Brian House is the only specialist children’s hospice for the Fylde coast, offering unique, expert care and support that makes a huge difference to the most seriously ill and vulnerable children in the community.

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