Runaway Reindeers will be dashing all across Gloucester this Christmas as part of a magical, free art trail in the city centre.
Twelve colourful, six-foot tall reindeer statues, all individually customised by brilliant local artists, will be scattered across the city from Saturday 2 December – Sunday 7 January. Families are invited to track down all the reindeer using a map and enjoy discovering these beautiful creatures.
There are trail prizes to be won throughout Christmas and the new year too. Each reindeer has a letter displayed on it, and those who find all 12 reindeer will be able to unscramble the letters and spell two secret words to be entered into weekly competitions to win £100 Gloucester Gift Cards and other great prizes.
The trail, which is organised by Gloucester BID and launches to coincide with Small Business Saturday, will see the reindeers spend Christmas in well-known city landmarks including Gloucester Cathedral, National Waterways Museum, GL1 and the new Gloucester Food Dock. As well as and shopping destinations including the Eastgate Shopping Centre and King’s Walk.
The reindeer feature spectacular artwork from well-known regional artists including Russell Haines, Jussara Nazare, Luna Lotus, Ben Ashworth and Candice Fox, with some being influenced by well-known city icons, including Beatrix Potter’s ‘The Tailor of Gloucester’ story, the River Severn and the famous Cherry and Whites.
Emily Gibbon, Manager of Gloucester BID, said: “We’re very excited to see our Runaway Reindeers prancing into the city centre this festive season. All the locations are within walking distance of each other, so visitors can wander beneath Christmas lights and take in some of the city’s finest landmarks while they keep their eyes peeled for our lovely reindeer.”
“The trail will give families a free activity to enjoy over five weeks, as well as offering a chance to win five £100 Gloucester Gift Cards, which can be spent at a wide range of shops, restaurants, and attractions in the city. It’s also a perfect event to launch on Small Business Saturday, as the trail will encourage people to shop local and see all that the city has to offer.”
Further information about the Runaway Reindeers, including a downloadable trail map, is available at www.runawayreindeers.co.uk
Printed trail maps are also available from a range of city venues, including Gloucester Guildhall, the Museum of Gloucester, Gloucester Cathedral, the National Waterways Museum, Gloucester Quays, the Folk of Gloucester and the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum.
Why not make a day of it and enjoy all the delights of the many eateries around our wonderful festive city while you’re here, as well as come to one of our weekend Reindeer Workshops, which we will be hosting during their time with us!
To find out more, head to www.runawayreindeers.co.uk
