A TRADITIONAL city centre confectioner has joined a growing number of county businesses supporting next summer’s penguin-themed art trail in Worcester.
Mr D’s Olde Sweet Shop on Worcester High Street is to sponsor one of 40 large penguins who’ll parade through city streets and public spaces in summer 2024.
Run by couple Aleks Racic and Alexandra Turner, the family has a very personal reason for getting involved.
“We’ve recently taken on this wonderful sweet shop and named it in memory of my dad. St Richard’s Hospice provided support to him and all of the family,” said Mr Racic.
“It was so important to dad to be at home and St Richard’s helped to make that possible by offering compassion and guidance to the whole family and round-the-clock access to support as and when needed.
“They made a very difficult time that bit easier for us all.”
Mayor of Worcester Coun Louis Stephen said he hopes the city’s third public art trail will drive local residents and tourists to explore Worcester once again next summer.
Worcester City Council is a major partner in the event and will also sponsor one of 40 large penguin sculptures.
“The city’s giraffe and elephant trails brought much excitement to Worcester as thousands followed the six-mile trails around our wonderful city,” he said,
“Next year’s parade of penguins is sure to recreate that magic and it will be wonderful to see both local people and trail-goers from further afield snapping selfies and waddling with our feathered friends.”
A penguin featuring a design chosen by the Worcestershire Ambassadors will also appear along the six-mile trail.
Vince Hopkins, chair of Worcestershire Ambassadors, said: ““Many thousands will visit the city and county from all over the UK and overseas to waddle in Worcester.
“This will bring much-needed economic benefits, particularly to the hospitality sector, and support one of the Ambassadors’ key aims in helping to promote our county.”
Worcestershire’s penguin community have proved themselves to be loveable feathered friends by welcoming a new chick to their cove.
Humboldt penguins from West Midland Safari Park played host to ‘Hoiho’, a yellow-eyed penguin sculpture, whose huddle will make county streets and public spaces their home next summer.
The great Waddle of Worcester opens on Monday July 22, 2024 and runs for eight weeks until September 15, 2024.
A Wild in Art event, it will be the third art trail brought to the city by St Richard’s Hospice.
To discuss sponsorship opportunities, call Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager, on 01905 763963, or e-mail [email protected]
Visit www.waddleofworcester.co.uk for more.
