See all Elmers together one final time

Brian House Children’s Hospice – the charity behind Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool – is hosing a Farewell Weekend for the art trail, bring the whole herd of large and Young Elmers together for just two days.

The event will take place at Blackpool Tower’s Fifth Floor on 22^nd-23^rd June and tickets are now on sale online and in the Elmer HQ & Shop on Victoria Street, Blackpool.

It’s the last time the public will see the 33 large sculptures inspired by David McKee’s popular children’s character Elmer the Patchwork Elephant as well as the 37 Young Elmer sculptures designed and painted by children at local schools and youth organisations which have made Blackpool’s first ever public art trail.

Just days later, the large sculptures will be sold at auction, raising vital money for Brian House – the Fylde coast’s only children’s hospice. All Young Elmers will be returned to their school or youth organisation as a lasting legacy of their involvement in something truly special.

Head of Fundraising, Linzi Warburton, said: “We have been blown away by the incredible comments and experiences of people taking part in our trail.

“As well as meeting people from across the Fylde coast, we’ve met people who have travelled the country just to see our amazing sculptures as well as visitors from overseas. Everyone has had such lovely things to say about what we have been able to achieve.

“We can’t wait to welcome trailgoers to our Farewell Weekend. It’s the only time they’ll see our whole herd together and a chance for them to see their favourite sculptures before they are sold at auction and make their way to their forever homes.

“We’re delighted that as people celebrate Elmer Day – a dedicated day to celebrate the importance of friendship, kindness and inclusivity which are the themes running through all the Elmer books – they can buy their tickets to our Farewell Weekend.”

Since the trail started back in April, more than 11,700 have downloaded the dedicated trail app to collect their Elmers and rewards. They’ve collected nearly 34,000 sculptures and walked a total of 17,653 miles.

Tickets for the Farewell Weekend are available in the Elmer HQ & Shop and online at www.elmerblackpool.co.uk/events/farewell-event-2024.

Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool will run from 13th April to 9th June 2024. The art trail is supported by Presenting Partners Thompson Contracts and Ameon, Learning Programme Sponsor Tower Insurance and Official Supporters Shared Services Connected Ltd (SSCL), Beaverbrooks, Partington’s Holiday Parks, RSS Events and Blackpool Council.