Businesses from across the North East gathered for breakfast with an Oscar-winning super star on Tuesday morning.
Arriving in style in his brand new electric vehicle, kindly donated by Bell Truck and Van, and making his first public appearance, Shaun the Sheep dazzled guests at St. Nicholas’ Cathedral in Newcastle, hosted by St Oswald’s Hospice.
Guests were able to enjoy a selection of pastries with their morning tea & coffee whilst hearing from some of this year’s Trail partners.
John McCabe, Chief Executive of North East England Chamber of Commerce, said “It’s great to welcome Shaun back to the city,” as he shared that “chamber members are going to be really excited about stepping up, getting involved in this campaign and really making a positive difference on behalf of St Oswald’s.”
The relaxed format allowed guests to enjoy time to network with other businesses, event partners and supporters, to learn more about the benefits available to businesses who sponsor, and how to get signed up and secure a Shaun sculpture.
Next year sees the third St Oswald’s Hospice Art Trail hit the region featuring none other than Shaun the Sheep. Launching on July 19th2023, over 50 designed and decorated Shaun sculptures will appear across Newcastle upon Tyne forming a unique public art trail running throughout the summer until September 27th.
“It’s the best thing you’ll do for your business,” enthused Louise Hunter, Director of Corporate Affairs, Northumbrian Water, sponsors of the Shaun on the Tyne Learning Programme.
“In addition to the business sponsorship, there is a fantastic learning programme and it’s great to see the love that the kids have for the models,” added Louise.
The Learning Programme offers schools and youth groups the opportunity to adopt a small Shaun, decorating the sculpture and sending it off to join a mini flock as part of the wider Art Trail. At the end of the event, Shaun is then returned to his creators to keep forever.
Steph Edusei, Chief Executive of St Oswald’s Hospice said, “We are about life and helping people to really make the most of the time they have. The Art Trail helps us do more of that and it’s a fantastic way to support the hospice and our communities.”
“We could not have made it through the last couple of years without the support of our communities, so Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne is our way of saying thank you.”
Following the completion of the 2023 Shaun on the Tyne Trail, the larger sculptures will be individually auctioned off to raise vital funds for St Oswald’s as they continue in their extensive work in the North East to support families and individuals living with life-limiting conditions.
“This is something the whole city can embrace,” said Nick Kemp, Leader of Newcastle City Council, headline sponsor for the Shaun on the Tyne 2023 Art Trail. “I would encourage all businesses to take part and engage with the Art Trail, and if you can, sponsor.”
Sponsoring a Shaun sculpture is a baa-riliant way to be part of driving economic regeneration in the area, especially within the cultural, tourism and hospitality sectors. This in turn will help support the many families who rely on hospice care within the North East region.
Huw Lewis, Customer Services Director for Nexus, Tyne & Wear Metro said, “From our point of view, it’s a great way to get people out, exploring our communities, our towns and cities. If you’re a business thinking about investing, it’s clearly a great way to bring your brand to life and connect with different audiences.”
As a sponsor, you will benefit from increased media coverage in line with the event as well as generating social media content for your channels. In addition, you will have access to various fun engagement opportunities for your colleagues and customers, with support from our dedicated team at Shaun HQ to help bring this experience to life for your audiences.
Huw added, “St Oswald’s is a fantastic, powerful, inspiring and amazing local charity who we can all support by being part of this trail.”
It’s an opportunity not to be missed! To be part of the flock, head over to our sponsors section where you can download the sponsorship pack and get in touch with the team to sponsor your very own Shaun.
