On the evening of Thursday 13th July, trail partners, sponsors and artists were invited to a special preview event where the full flock of 45 Shaun the Sheep sculptures were brought together in one place, ahead of going out onto the streets, parks and public spaces of Newcastle.
Hosted at Quorum Business Park, the preview was a chance for artists to see their creations again, check out each others amazing efforts and for most of their sponsors, see the design they chose back in April, brought to life in 3D!
Guests enjoyed the chance to meet the flock, along with members of the Shaun on the Tyne and St Oswald’s Hospice team and although there was a strict embargo on posting and sharing photos, we spotted many Shaun selfies being taken in preparation for launch day.
Hugh Stolliday, Manager at Ouseburn Farm said:
“We’ve been working with our artist to produce our wonderful Shaun the Sheep. My first impressions seeing them all here together is just gobsmacked. There’s so much range and colour and different interpretations and people have gone in their own directions; I think it really reflects the diversity and the multi-faceted nature of our city so from that point of view, I think they’re the perfect embodiment of the spirit of the city, and the wonderful sponsors and businesses that have come together to make this happen. I’m really pleased to be here and really blown away by all of the Shauns.”
Ian McAllister from trail sponsors The Alnwick Garden commented:
“We came tonight to see our sheep and we are blown away by our sponsored sheep. Its exactly what we hoped for, if not more, and it will fit really well with the trail. There’s a really strong connection between it and The Alnwick Gardens and we think you’ll like it.”
Georgina May, PR Executive at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines added:
“It’s so lovely to see everyone’s sculptures come together, in aid of such a wonderful charity. I’m really happy to see ours come to life, really proud of our artist and really proud to part of supporting such a great cause.”
Lisa Graveling from Home Group said:
“They are amazing, and I think ours looks fantastic. They’re all so unique and I know that my kids will love spotting them on the trail.”
Thank you to our ever-supportive friends at Quorum Park for hosting our event and to all of our sponsors and artists who have made the trail possible. It was baa-rilliant to see you at the preview!
What’s next for our flock? It’s all systems go now, as the Shauns will be attached to their concrete plinths, made and donated by Lynx Precast and installed by Applebridge and MP Plant Hire. Their name and information plaques will be added and then they are all good to go, ready for our dream team, which also includes J R Adams Transport who provide the huge lorry which will take the flock to their summer homes, to do their thing! You may even spot them on their journey over the next few days…
By Wednesday 19th July 2023, the flock will have taken up position across Newcastle City Centre and surrounding areas for 10 weeks of fun, family time and fresh air, all free of charge and accessible to all, in support of St Oswald’s Hospice.
Watch out for an announcement early next week about how to get trail ready with your app and map.
