Gritting business clears pathway for Worcester’s penguins

A gritting and snow clearing business is the latest Worcestershire firm to join next summer’s penguin parade.

Upton Snodsbury-based AA Salt Services Ltd is to sponsor both an adult and baby penguin sculpture as part of the great Waddle of Worcester – a Wild in Art event brought to the city by St Richard’s Hospice.

For eight weeks during summer 2024, 40 adult and 40 penguin chicks will slide into city streets, parks and open spaces to form an eye-catching art trail.

Each large penguin is being funded by companies and individuals from around the county and will be brought to life by regional and national artists.  At the end of the project, the sculptures will be auctioned to raise vital funds for the free ongoing care and support offered by St Richard’s Hospice for people affected by serious progressive illnesses and their loved ones.

Penguin chicks, designed and decorated by local schools and community groups, will be on display in city shops and Crowngate Shopping Centre before being returned to their creators as a lasting memory of the project. Thanks to AA Salt Services’ support, children from a county school will be able to take part.

Ben Tanner, Director of AA Salt Services Ltd, said: “Having been involved with both the giraffe and elephant trails last time around and witnessing the magic they bring, we knew we had to waddle with St Richard’s in 2024.

“We also wanted to ensure we helped local children play a part so are delighted that our sponsorship of a penguin chick will allow a local school to get involved and see their creation on display in the city centre.”

The great Waddle of Worcester builds on the hugely successful Worcester Stands Tall and Worcester’s Big Parade trail in 2018 and 2021, which saw giraffe and elephant sculptures displayed across the city before raising more that £700,000 combined for St Richard’s Hospice.

Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager at St Richard’s, said: “AA Salt Services have been by our sides from the very beginning of our art trails; they recognised the benefits the events would bring to our city and county as well as the difference they would make to patients and their loved ones.

“We’re so grateful to have such wonderful sponsors on board and know that the AA Salt Services team’s eye for design will bring another wonderful sculpture to life next summer.”

Forty large penguins will be designed by artists and selected by sponsors to appear along the six-mile route. To register interest as an artist visit our Artist page.

Forty baby penguins will be available for adoption by local schools and community groups. To register interest as a school or community group visit or Schools page.

You can follow the great Waddle of Worcester on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The great Waddle of Worcester is supported by Presenting Partners; Crowngate, DRPG, Worcester City Council and Worcestershire Ambassadors, Community and Education Partner; Worcester BID and Media Partners; the Worcester News and BBC Hereford & Worcester.