Aardman reveals new 2018 arts trail characters

Studio’s third arts trail will star Gromit alongside Wallace and arch nemesis Feathers McGraw.

The third major Aardman and The Grand Appeal arts trail is set to take place next year – and it will be the first sculpture trail in the world to feature three licensed characters.

Returning to Bristol for his second starring role in the Bristol Children’s Hospital charity’s 2018 trail will be Gromit. And this time he will be joined by Wallace and arch nemesis, Feathers McGraw.

The public art trail featuring over 60 giant sculptures will appear in Bristol from Monday July 2 until Sunday September 2, 2018, raising money for Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Special Care Baby Unit at St Michael’s Hospital.

Nicola Masters, director of Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, said: “Ever since we confirmed a third arts trail earlier this year, we’ve been blown away by public support from across the country and around the world. Our amazing fans have spent the last year guessing the character and we’re delighted to now tell all

“Gromit is so well loved and has universal appeal, and since our inaugural trail in 2013, he has gone on to help us raise over £6 million for Bristol Children’s Hospital.

“Wallace and Gromit have played a huge part in our 22-year history as a charity, and it’s wonderful to have them both join us for our next fundraising adventure, with super villain and pesky penguin-in-disguise Feathers coming along for the ride.”

A number of Bristol’s leading institutions, technology companies and international engineering firms will bring their expertise to the trail.

Known as ‘Trailblazers’, Creditcall, Renishaw, Rolls-Royce and the University of Bristol will play a significant role in the 2018 trail.

Wallace & Gromit creator Nick Park and Aardman founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton, added: “It’s been nearly a quarter of a century since we brought Wallace, Gromit and Feathers together in The Wrong Trousers, and we’re delighted that they’ll be together once again in our home city of Bristol.

“The Grand Appeal trails have raised an incredible amount of money for a cause that’s very close to all of our hearts here at Aardman. We can’t wait to see our beloved characters take the city by storm next summer, putting smiles on the faces of the many families and friends who adore these trails.”

Want to read more news like this? Simply sign up to our daily digest by clicking here. You can also follow @LicensingSource on Twitter.

MORE NEWS
B&LLAs2025500x500
 
The event will take place on Thursday 24 April at the Royal Lancaster London, where the assembled audience of retailers, licensees, brand owners and industry executives will celebrate the achievements of the 219 finalists across 22 categories, as well as witnessing the crowning of this year's Brand Ambassador....
BeanstalkJuliusK9500x500
 
Beanstalk will look to leverage JULIUS-K9's strong brand equity to extend its offering into key categories across the UK and Europe including pet food, vitamins, bedding, cages and travel products....
BobMarleyfragrance500x500
 
"This collection is a tribute to our legacy and how we continue to inspire people, creating a sense of calm and togetherness that lasts across generations."...
BrandLicensingForDummies500x500
 
Available from 19 May in print and digital formats, the book - written by Steven Ekstract and Stu Seltzer - is aiming to become an essential resource for anyone looking to understand, enter or expand within the fast growing world of licensing....
PeterRabbitWildBrainCPLG500x500
 
Under the agreement, WildBrain CPLG will manage the consumer products programme rights across merchandise, promotions, digital and experiences....
GrindClueless500x500
 
Coffee company, Grind has unveiled its latest limited edition collection, teaming with Paramount Pictures' Clueless to commemorate the film's 30th anniversary and the launch of Clueless, The Musical in London's West End....
Get the latest news sent to your inbox
Subscribe to our daily newsletter

The list doesn't exist! Make sure you have imported the list on the 'Manage List Forms' page.