Get a sneak peek at Gromit Unleashed trail sculptures in the making

There’s just two months to go until Gromit Unleashed returns to the city, in the hotly anticipated return of the acclaimed sculpture trail that will raise money for The Grand Appeal, the dedicated charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital. 

The Grand Appeal and Aardman have now released a behind-the-brush glimpse of the works in progress. From sweeping brushstrokes to intricate detailing, artists, film studios and celebrities are busy working in secret reimagining Aardman’s iconic characters – Wallace, Gromit, Feathers McGraw and Norbot - taking inspiration from movies and the legends, fables and tales that have inspired them.   

In secret studios, new sculpture artworks are coming to life while some are even crossing the seas and travelling the length and breadth of the UK before being unleashed on the streets of Bristol this summer.    

The behind-the-scenes update has revealed some of the new designs that will feature in this year’s trail.  

Inspired by the age-old tale of The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, Wallace has been reimagined by artist Mister Hope as the justice seeking outlaw from Sherwood Forest, with Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) as the sculpture sponsor. 

Created by new trail artist Victoria Richards and featuring the artistic stylings of the roaring 20s, this glamourous Gromit would be an incredible conversation piece at one of Gatsby's glittering parties. The spectacular sculpture is sponsored by CJ Hole. 

A Gromit Unleashed trail in Bristol wouldn't be complete without a swashbuckling pirate. Thanks to illustrator Paula Bowles, Norbot's ready for an adventure on the high seas, but not before delighting crowds this summer! Natracare sponsors the mischievous mariner. 

Once upon a time in Bristol, there stood a fairy castle fit for a tiny princess. For this design, talented artist Emily Ketteringham has turned Norbot's towering hat into a fairytale turret!  

No cinema trip would be complete without popcorn, sweets, and drink! Whether you're sweet or salty, everyone will enjoy artist Simon Tozer's Norbot this summer. This playful design is sponsored by Global Furniture Alliance (GFA). 

The sculptures will hit the streets of Bristol from 30 June to 31 August, before being auctioned off later in the year, in aid of The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children's Hospital Charity.   

Anna Hitchcock, Commercial Director, The Grand Appeal, commented: “The progress being made every day, now we’re just weeks away from the start of the trail is astonishing. Seeing the designs come to life behind-the-scenes is so exciting, and we just had to share some of that energy far and wide. The designs, the details and the standard of this year’s sculptures and artists, is so inspiring. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing more and more details, and we can’t wait to bring the colour, creativity, and fun to the city this summer.” 

Gromit Unleashed 3 builds on the runaway success of Gromit Unleashed, Shaun in the City, and Gromit Unleashed 2 – which collectively generated over £20 million for The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity and Cots for Tots, the dedicated charity for the Neonatal Intensive Care Ward at St Michael’s Hospital.   

With more details to be announced over the coming weeks, keep up to date with the latest news from The Grand Appeal and Gromit Unleashed 3, by visiting https://www.grandappeal.org.uk and following @TheGrandAppeal and @gromitunleashed across Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.