Expect a rainbow of colours and some tasty treats at an Elmer-theme fund-raiser taking place in Gateshead's Saltwell Park this summer.
Elmer’s Patchwork Parade will be a family day of activities at the park in Low Fell in July, setting the tone for the upcoming art trail inspired by the popular elephant character in David McKee's book series, which is currently also being celebrated in an exhibition at Newcastle's Seven Stories.
Elmer’s Great North Parade - an 11-week trail of 50 elephant sculptures following a similar pattern to the Great North Snowdogs - will launch on August 21 and is set to be the region's biggest mass participation event of the year.
Ahead of that, Elmer sculptures will be paying a special visit to Saltwell Park on July 6 from 10am until 4pm, accompanied by a day-long programme of entertainment featuring fairground rides, crafts, games, music and food, including the chance to decorate a gingerbread person with the help of a team from Greggs.
There is also a sponsored parade which will get under way at 12noon.
Tickets are on sale now for the event which also will include face-painting; a bouncy castle and an arts and crafts marquee plus pre-school entertainment provided by Hartbeeps music and puppetry experts.
Metro Radio’s Breakfast Show presenters Steve and Karen will play host while visitors will be able to see three of the trail's individually-decorated sculptures unveiled.
The trail, as with the popular snowdogs, is in aid of St Oswald’s Hospice and a team from the charity will be at the event with games and activities.
Fund-raising manager Ashley Elliott said: "It is a great opportunity to take a sneak peek at three of the gorgeous Elmer sculptures and to enjoy a tremendous day out, while raising money for a truly worthwhile cause.
“We hope families will turn up in their most colourful costumes, wave their homemade banners and make special memories at what promises to be a magical carnival event."
Tickets to Elmer’s Patchwork Parade cost £8 for adults and £5 for children while those aged three and under will have free entry.
Family tickets are also available for £22. Those going along will receive a souvenir wristband.
The charity is keen to hear from anyone interested in taking part in the parade which will require raising £15 sponsorship. For information and to buy tickets call l 0191 2469123 or see here .
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