Thu. Sep 19th, 2024

Chest beating optional as 5ft tall Gorilla Troop descend on Norwich this summer

For ten weeks this summer, Norwich’s streets, parks and open spaces will play host to a 50-strong troop of life-size colourful gorillas to raise funds for charity.

Named GoGoGorillas!, the live outdoor art project will see visitors and residents follow a trail of five foot tall painted gorilla sculptures around Norwich from Monday 24th June 2013 by picking up a map or downloading a free interactive App. Binoculars, crawling through rain forests and chest beating optional!

The project is being delivered by  charity Break together with leading arts and education company Wild in Art to raise money for both Break and the Born Free Foundation.

Sponsored by regional businesses, each gorilla is being designed and painted by professional artists, schools and community groups.

The glorious parade of sculptures includes themes including Norwich City Football Club, Superman, Urban jungle and a Freddie-Mercury-inspired ape.

A number of celebrities have already lent their support with Break Patron Jake Humphrey a passionate supporter, and Stephen Fry tweeting about the project.

Martin Green, fundraising officer at Break says: “The GoGoGorillas trail will take place for ten weeks during the summer of 2013 and will encourage thousands of people to discover and re-discover the fine city of Norwich.”

He adds: “The event itself is about raising money for charity, inspiring visitors, highlighting environmental issues and showcasing the plight of one of the world’s most endangered species. The gorillas will be a magnificent sight and showcase Norwich as a city of creativity and culture.”

Visitors will be able to access the trail starting from Monday 24th June 2013 and the project will culminate in an auction of the gorilla sculptures in October 2013.

The free App named GoGoGorillas will allow optional donations to be made through the website. Current sponsors include John Lewis, Anglian Home Improvements, Norwich School, Jungle Public Relations and the Castle Mall.

Follow the project’s progress by visiting www.gogogorillas.co.uk and following on Twitter @GoGoGorillas and Facebook and Pinterest.

For sponsorship enquiries contact Martin Green by emailing martin.g@break-charity.org or calling 01603 670107.

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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