Roarsome Lions at Large sculpture trail arrives in Cheltenham and Gloucester

Families across the county are preparing to go wild this summer as a pride of lions take to the streets of Gloucestershire.

The trail will see 32 majestic lion sculptures designed and decorated by artists at a host of stunning landmarks and interesting everyday locations. They will be joined by the Cub Club, 54 little lions lovingly created by local schools, clubs and community groups.

Lions at Large - The Pride of Gloucestershire Trail will take place from Friday 11 July to Sunday 14 September. It is a fantastic free event for all the family.

Image credit - Anna Lythgoe Photography. (Left) Lion – ROAR! Artist – Reilly Creative. Location – Pittville Park Gates. (Top right) Lion – All that glitters is not gold.  Artist – Jess Perrin. Location – Gloucester Cathedral. (Bottom right) Lion – The Kintsugi Lion.  Artist – Sam Morris. Location – GL1

It’s been organised by Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity to raise money for The Big Space Cancer Appeal - helping to build a bigger, brighter home for cancer care in Gloucestershire. The new centre at Cheltenham General Hospital will have modern consulting rooms complete with new digital technology, space for innovation and research trials as well as a therapeutic garden.

Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity Associate Director, Richard Smith, said “We are absolutely thrilled that Lions at Large is finally here! This trail has been years in the making and to see it become a reality is just incredible.”

“We are so grateful to everyone who has helped bring this event to life; from our amazing presenting partners and sculpture sponsors to the brilliant schools, community groups and volunteers – thank you to everyone who has given their time, talent and support.”

“What makes this event even more special, is that every step taken along the trail is helping to support something truly life-changing. The Big Space Cancer Appeal has already raised £9 million towards the £17.5 million needed, and we hope this trail will inspire even more people to get involved.”

The Charity has partnered with Wild in Art to create this unique trail across both Cheltenham and Gloucester. Their public art trails enable thousands of people of all ages to experience art by taking it out of traditional places and putting it into everyday life. 

One of the majestic sculptures on display - The Kintsugi Lion, sponsored by Fostering Gloucestershire County Council - has been decorated by Sam Morris from Tewkesbury. “My design was inspired by Kintsugi; the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold; making it stronger, more resilient and even more beautiful than before.”

“The meaning behind the sculpture became so much more important to me when, the very same week my design was chosen, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I couldn’t believe the serendipity of being selected for a trail raising funds for a new cancer centre - it became a really important project to me.”

Images - (Right) Lion - The Tyger. Artist - Janine Smith. Location - John Lewis, Cheltenham High Street. (Left) Lion - Iso-Lion. Artist - Local Artist. Location Cheltenham Town Hall. 

“When my blood levels meant I couldn’t have my second chemotherapy session, I spent that day in the shared artist space working on my lion. It gave me purpose and comfort, knowing what I was creating would be seen by others and might inspire them to reflect on how we all carry cracks in our lives. It’s through the support of family, friends and loved ones that we begin to mend.”

“After my operation, I have this wonderful scar that is my own Kintsugi, connecting me to the lion that I created. It really helped me consider things in a new way, as something that has made me stronger and more resilient. I will always be so grateful to the wonderful NHS teams who supported me through it all.”

To help find Sam’s Kintsugi Lion and the other sculptures, a dedicated app, trail map and sticker safari book have been created. The app will allow users to track their progress whilst collecting rewards along the way. There is also a dedicated pop-up shop at Gloucester Quays for crafted items, merchandise and a roarsome raffle to win an overnight stay in the Lion Lodge at West Midland Safari Park.

Over 75 local businesses came together to help make the trail a reality. A total of 30 signed up as sculpture sponsors, with Spirax Sarco supporting the project as Learning Programme Partner and Arthur Spriggs & Sons as Logistics Partner. Both Gloucester and Cheltenham BIDs signed up to be the presenting partners for the trail in their respective areas.

Cheltenham BID Chief Executive, Francesca Inman and Gloucester BID Manager Emily Gibbon said, “We are so proud to see the Lions at Large Sculpture Trail come to life across Cheltenham and Gloucester!”

“These magnificent sculptures will bring colour, creativity and excitement to our streets - all whilst encouraging people to explore, shop, eat and enjoy everything the local areas have to offer. It’s been wonderful to see so many businesses, community groups and schools get behind this initiative, and we’re delighted to be part of something that showcases the very best of Gloucestershire.”

“As families and visitors follow the lions, they’ll also be part of something truly meaningful. Because long after the lions have gone, their roar will echo in the form of a new cancer care centre for Gloucestershire - a lasting legacy for our county which will truly be The Pride of Gloucestershire.”

To find out more about Lions at Large, visit lionsatlarge.co.uk and for more information about The Big Space Cancer Appeal, please visit bigspacecancerappeal.co.uk.