Gloucester’s magical Runaway Reindeer Trail that brought festive cheer to the city over Christmas will be going under the hammer next month to raise vital funds for twelve deserving local charities.
On Thursday, April 11th, from 7pm to 9pm, Gloucester Business Improvement District will host the auction at Gloucester Brewery’s Warehouse 4, to auction off the twelve six-foot reindeer that were part of the imaginative and creative Runaway Reindeer Trail last Christmas.
Gloucester BID brought a touch of magic to the city with the installation in 2021 of twelve vibrant, six-foot tall reindeer statues. These enchanting sculptures, adorned with captivating artwork from local and regional artists such as Russell Haines, Jussara Nazare, Luna Lotus, Ben Ashworth, and Candice Fox, delighted locals and visitors alike as they dotted the cityscape. They have come out to play several times since then, including the most recent festivities.
Each reindeer featured designs inspired by Gloucester’s rich heritage and landscape, drawing from beloved tales like Beatrix Potter’s “The Tailor of Gloucester,” the flowing River Severn, and the city’s iconic Cherry and Whites. Positioned strategically at prominent landmarks, these reindeer became cherished symbols of the festive season.
Now, having completed their festive duties, these reindeer are set to embark on a new journey. The auction on April 11th will see these custom reindeer find new homes within the local business community, with all proceeds benefiting the twelve deserving local charities.
The charities involved include Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, Hollie Gazzard Trust, Sunflower Suicide Support, Gloucestershire Young Carers, Nelsons Trust, Scoo-B-Doo, Gloucestershire Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre (GRASAC) and Gloucestershire Deaf Association (GDA).
Emily Gibbon, manager at Gloucester BID says:
“We are thrilled to invite the business community of Gloucestershire to join us in supporting these vital local causes. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give back to our community while celebrating the creativity and spirit that make Gloucester so special.”
Rachael Howells, Team Leader at Gloucestershire Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre (GRASAC) says:
“We’re over the moon to share that we’ve been selected as one of the 12 charities to benefit from Gloucester BID’s Reindeer Auction on April 11, 2024! Money raised will be put towards supporting survivors of sexual violence across the county”.
Sally Gillespie, Fundraising Manager at Gloucestershire Deaf Association (GDA) says:
“Gloucestershire Deaf Association are delighted to be involved as one of the 12 chosen charities. Support from Gloucester BID and Gloucester Brewery is very much appreciated as our charity supports people from across the county to live confidently with their deafness and hearing loss. We are really excited about the auction and event”.
The auction promises to be an evening of excitement, camaraderie, and goodwill as attendees vie for the chance to bid for one of these unique works of art.
Join us on Thursday, April 11th, at Gloucester Brewery’s Warehouse 4, from 7pm to 9pm, for an unforgettable evening in support of our community and bid for your favourite reindeer.
For more information about the auction and to book your tickets, click here. For further details of the reindeer and their artists click here. Alternatively, contact Claire Knight, Marketing & Business Engagement Lead at Gloucester BID via .
