Majestic lion sculptures to line streets of Gloucester and Cheltenham to raise funds for new cancer care facilities

Businesses, schools and community groups in Gloucestershire are being invited to join the pack and support an upcoming wildlife sculpture trail. The trail will feature over 30 majestic lions, each individually decorated by artists, and will be displayed on the streets of both Cheltenham and Gloucester next year.

The Lions at Large the Pride of Gloucestershire Trail is set to take place during the summer of 2025, providing a fantastic free event for families. The initiative has been organised by the Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity with the aim of raising funds for proposed new cancer care facilities in Cheltenham.

These facilities will include digital consulting rooms, space for cutting-edge research, as well as a therapeutic outdoor area. Local businesses are now being called upon to sponsor each of the animals, which will be prominently displayed at various landmarks and interesting locations. Following this, the lions will be auctioned off to raise additional funds for the project.

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Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity Associate Director, Richard Smith, said: “We are so excited to announce this art trail, and for our lions to be at large across Cheltenham and Gloucester.

"The trail features a lion as these incredible animals represent the courage of all those who face cancer not only as a patient but as a loved one. We will be launching a major fundraising appeal for the new facilities later this year.”

The charity has partnered with Wild in Art, which has put on trails all over the world including for the London 2012 Olympics, to create and deliver Lions at Large.

Charlie Langhorne, managing director and co-founder, Wild in Art said: "Lions at Large will bring colour and creativity to Cheltenham and Gloucester next year and we are excited to be teaming up with Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity.

“Our public art trails enable thousands of people of all ages to experience art by taking it out of traditional places and putting it into everyday life. The trails encourage exploration and drive footfall, benefit health and wellbeing and create a collective feeling of community and pride.

"It’s a fantastic opportunity for businesses, the creative sector, children and young people and the wider community to be part of a highly visible, collaborative and captivating project which will have significant impact.”

As well as the main sculptures, there will also be an opportunity to support a learning programme for schools and youth groups who will receive a little lion sculpture to decorate. Both Gloucester and Cheltenham BIDs have already signed up to be the presenting partners for the trail in their respective areas.

Cheltenham BID Chief Executive, Francesca Inman said: “Cheltenham BID stands tall in our support for Lions at Large - The Pride of Gloucestershire Trail. These stunning art sculptures will breathe new life and energy into our town centre.

“They're more than just art; they're catalysts for exploration, igniting curiosity in both visitors and residents to discover the gems of the town. I am looking forward to seeing the businesses support this trail.”

Gloucester BID Manager Emily Gibbon said they were extremely proud to be supporting the trail and the charity. “We are thrilled about the opportunity it brings for our local people, businesses and the economy of Gloucestershire. We can’t wait for the streets to be roaring with fun during the summer of 2025 and of course to help raise funds for this important cause,” she said.

To find out more about how you can support the Lions, including sponsorship packages, please visit lionsatlarge.co.uk or email karen.organ@nhs.net

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