WORCESTER’S largest shopping centre is backing next summer’s penguin art trail to drive visitors and shoppers alike to the city.
Crowngate is to partner in the great Waddle of Worcester following the success of the 2018 and 2021 trails which increased retail footfall significantly.
Ninety-six per cent of visitors to the 2021 trail said they were inspired to stay longer than usual in the city and almost half visited four times or more.
As official host to the event’s ‘mini parade’ of penguin chicks, designed by local schools and community groups, the shopping centre is expecting to see trail-goers sliding through the doors.
Mike Lloyd, centre manager for Crowngate, said: “We look back on the last two art trails with such affection; to have had a centre full of baby elephants and giraffes and artists busy painting was pretty unforgettable.
“As were all the happy faces of children and families proudly seeing their artwork on display.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Crowngate again next summer.”
The trail begins on Monday, July 22 and runs for eight weeks until Sunday, September 15.
Forty large fibreglass penguin sculptures will bring a splash of colour to Worcester’s streets and public spaces to form an interactive art trail.
Waddle of Worcester is a Wild in Art event brought to the city by St Richard’s Hospice.
Sara Matthews, business development manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said: “Crowngate has been by our sides from the very beginning so we know they’ll take good care of our penguin chicks.
“We’re so grateful to the centre for backing us when an art trail was just an idea on paper to now when it’s a much-loved event in the city calendar.”
For more information, call Sara on 01905 763963, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.waddleofworcester.co.uk
