Last chance to see Worcester’s penguins

The hospice team behind this summer’s penguin parade is inviting visitors to waddle with them for a final time before the huddle leaves Worcester on Sunday 13 October.

All 80 of the painted penguins from the great Waddle of Worcester will go on show together – for the last time – at Worcestershire County Cricket Club from Friday 11 October to Sunday 13 October.

The outdoor event will be the last chance to see all 40 large penguins before they are auctioned to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice, which cares for patients with an illness that cannot be cured and their loved ones across Worcestershire.

A fully reflective penguin chick, Ice-Ickle, will also be auctioned – while the remaining chicks will be returned to the schools and groups which decorated them.

Tickets are available online for hour slots at farewell events, many of which sold out during last weekend’s sessions.

Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said: “Our farewell events are one of our favourite elements of delivering these art trails.  We love to see people’s reactions as they see all the sculptures stood side-by-side, noticing things in their beautiful artwork that they might not have spotted before.

“It’s a real spectacle to see all 80 of our penguins in one place, plus two bonus babies which are up for grabs in our raffle and at auction. We hope to see everyone waddling with us for a final time this weekend before our happy huddle head off to their forever homes!”

The Art of Giving digital installation is also available at farewell events enabling visitors to design pebbles, symbolising the loving gesture of penguins exchanging pebbles during nesting. Once created, visitors can see their artwork projected within a specially designed set with digital penguins swimming within it.

A collaborative project between Worcestershire-based creative communications agency, DRPG, and St Richard’s Hospice, the one-of-a-kind creative experience ran all summer in Crowngate Shopping Centre in conjunction with the great Waddle of Worcester.

Suzie Blundell, DRPG’s Creative Director of the campaign, said: “The Art of Giving has allowed us to merge artistic expression with a meaningful cause. Using our in-house stage and scenic team to deliver the hand-crafted set, alongside the impressive projection technology adds a unique touch to each piece. It’s exciting to see how the public’s contributions transform our installation.

“Working with St. Richard’s Hospice has always been a rewarding experience. The Art of Giving campaign not only engages the community but also brings attention to the importance of creativity. We’ve loved seeing the amazing pebble designs from participants of all ages.”

Farewell event tickets are £6 for adults and £3 for children aged two to 16, while under twos go free. Family tickets for either two adults, two children or one adult, three children are available for £15. To book visit: https://waddleofworcester.co.uk/events/farewell. Farewell events are kindly sponsored by Piston Distillery.

Proceeds from the farewell events will support the free care and support that St Richard’s Hospice provides to local patients and their families.

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.

You can follow the great Waddle of Worcester at: https://www.facebook.com/WaddleOfWorcester/, https://twitter.com/WaddleOfWorc and https://www.Instagram.com/WaddleOfWorcester