A sea of colour and creativity could be seen throughout Ipswich on Sunday, as the Hoot Hike officially launched the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022, after a parliament of 50 owls, quietly overnight, made Ipswich their home for the summer.
The Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 is the third art trail brought to Ipswich by St Elizabeth Hospice in partnership with creative producers Wild in Art, following the success of Pigs Gone Wild 2016 and Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk 2019.
Held on Sunday 19th June, the Hoot Hike saw hundreds of hospice supporters, Wild in Art trail fanatics and members of the community join to complete a 5km trail around Ipswich, featuring a number of the town’s landmarks, a large selection of trail sculptures as well as other giveaways along the way.
Celia Joseph, community relationships fundraising manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “What a perfect way to start the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022. It was fantastic to see people of all ages coming out to enjoy their first glimpse of the art trail, exploring Ipswich and supporting St Elizabeth Hospice at the same time.
“Thank you to all the amazing businesses who have got behind the Big Hoot and to our fantastic volunteers who made the Hoot Hike possible – you are all superstars. If you would like to volunteer for the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 be sure to contact our volunteering team on volunteer@stelizabethhospice.org.uk.”
Beginning in Christchurch Park, where the event village was located, the Hoot Hike gave the public their first chance to see the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 art trail sculptures as well as the opportunity to enjoy lots of other fun activities throughout the day.
Making sure everyone started their Hoot Hike in the best way possible were Colchester’s favourite fitness instructor siblings, the Townsend Twins, while the event village also featured a range of interactive activities, crafts and raffle provided by trail supporters, including Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Gelato Italia, University of Suffolk and Noisey Group.
Clare Flatt, who took part in the Hoot Hike, said: “There has been a fantastic atmosphere, with lots of young families taking part, exploring Ipswich and enjoying the artwork.
“My eldest son is seven and he remembers the previous two hospice art trails and is really excited for this year’s Big Hoot Ipswich. I actually work for ABP Ports, who are one of the trail sponsors, so it has been nice to see our own Hoots on Ipswich Waterfront. Events like this are brilliant for the town, as they bring people together and help raise funds for an important local charity in St Elizabeth Hospice.”
As part of the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022, 50 ornately decorated owl sculptures, featuring a range of designs have made their nests throughout Ipswich. These will be available for everyone to view and enjoy between 19th June and 3rd September, as part of the biggest free art event in Suffolk which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the town.
For more information about the Big Hoot 2022 go to thebighoot.co.uk.