The North East's streets, parks and open spaces have become home to a series of giant sculptures of much loved children's book character Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, to celebrate this summer's art trail Elmer's Great North Parade, in aid of St Oswald's Hospice charity.
Elmer's Great North Parade will form an art trail featuring 50 individually designed Elmer sculptures generously sponsored by local businesses, inspired by David McKee's children's book series. They will be joined by a herd of 114 little Elmer sculptures designed by local school children.
The Parade will also be supported by a regional wide learning programme for schools and children's groups and will culminate in a farewell weekend on 9 and 10 November 2019. This will enable people to see the sculptures herded together for the final time, before most of them are auctioned on 12 November 2019 at Sage, Gateshead to raise money for St Oswald's Hospice.
As headline partner of the trail, Tyne and Wear Metro are delighted to support both the trail and St Oswald's Hospice. And with much of the trail accessible by Metro, it's the perfect way to see the trail and enjoy the best of our region.
Have you seen our iconic Metro cube at Monument Metro station, Grey Street? We have transformed it into the bright Elmer patchwork for the duration of the parade.
School kids have showcased their art work to celebrate this summer's parade. Sixteen winning Elmer designs have been chosen from schools across the region and they are now displayed on board a special Elmer-themed Metro carriage that will be in passenger service for the duration of Elmer's Great North Parade. View all 16 of the winning Elmer designs below.
To view and find out about all 50 individually designed Elmer sculptures click here.
To find out more about Elmer's Great North Parade and St Oswald's Hospice visit www.stoswaldsuk.org/elmer/