Gromit Unleashed

As we were away from Bristol for most of the summer we missed out on two big local events, the Bristol Harbour Festival in July and the Bristol Balloon Fiesta in August. We got back just in time to take in Gromit Unleashed 2, an arts trail which was raising money for the Wallace & Gromit’s Children’s Foundation.

Bristol is home to Aardman Animations, the creators of world-famous and award-winning Shaun the Sheep and Wallace and Gromit characters. Aardman's characters have a universal appeal and we are fans along with millions of others worldwide. The trail consisted of sixty-seven sculptures of Wallace, Gromit and Feathers McGraw. They were spread out all over Bristol and proved a big attraction. It was fun to spend a couple of sunny afternoons wandering around having a look. We didn't get to all of them, but, here are a few of our favourites.

Each was themed to their location. Here is Gromit inside a building at the University of Bristol, there really were 'exams in progress'.

...and in front of the Art Gallery...

Here is Wallace, as 'Wallambard', in front of the SS Great Britain.

Wallace usually had his cup of tea at hand, no matter the outfit...

Last, but, not least, there was Feathers McGraw...

The event was highly successful. The sculptures will be auctioned on October 3 to complete this year's charity drive.