Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen reveals Elmer Elaganza ahead of Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool

With one month to go until Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool, organisers Brian House Children’s Hospice has revealed one of the sculptures on the art trail.

Elmer Elaganza has been designed by interior designer and television presenter Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and is one of more than 70 sculptures that will be in key locations around Blackpool inspired by David McKee’s popular children’s character Elmer the Patchwork Elephant.

Laurence, who is also Creative Curator of the Blackpool Illuminations, popped into Brian House to reveal his sculpture.

He said: “When I heard about Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool, I jumped at the chance to be part of it because I know what a wonderful thing it is for this incredible town.

“My sculpture is of course inspired by my passion and flair for interior design and floral patterns and I hope everyone who visits it as part of the art trail enjoys their own interpretation of Elmer Elaganza.

“I really enjoyed my visit to Brian House to reveal my sculpture and meet some of the amazing children and the staff who do so much for them. It’s really humbling to know that by being involved in this fabulous event I am supporting such a remarkable place that means so much to local families on the Fylde coast.”

Elmer Elaganza, which is sponsored by VisitBlackpool, will be installed in a location yet to be announced, ready for the trail which starts on Saturday 13^th April.

It will be on display for eight weeks, free for people to visit and collect a reward offered by Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool supporters and sponsors through a dedicated free trail app.

And the end of the trail, the sculpture will be auctioned off along with all other large sculptures to raise money for Brian House, the only children’s hospice on the Fylde coast.

Head of Fundraising, Linzi Warburton, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Laurence has taken the time to design one of our Elmer sculptures. Elmer Elaganza is a real refection of Laurence and we’re sure thousands of people will feel the same when they visit his Elmer on the art trail.

“It was wonderful to welcome him into Brian House and show him the difference our art trail will make to local families, helping us to provide exceptional care to local children who are living with incredibly complex illnesses.

“Overall, we’re expecting our art trail to raise over £110,000 for our dedicated children’s hospice, and for Laurence to have used his creative expertise in this way is just amazing. We can’t wait to see who leaves our auction owning their very own, and very unique, original Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.”

A VisitBlackpool spokesperson said: “We have a long-standing relationship with Laurence who has created some amazing designs for Blackpool Illuminations down the years. We are thrilled that he has been able to produce something very special for Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool and can’t wait for it to be unveiled to the public.”

Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool is being run in partnership with Wild in Art and Andersen Press.

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder of Wild in Art said: “With one month to go it’s nearly time to unveil the trail to Blackpool and the world. It’s wonderful to see Laurence’s Elmer sculpture and I have no doubt that visitors and residents alike will be excited to discover it as they explore. The trail will be a great opportunity for people to take a stroll around Blackpool and experience some truly unique and inspiring artwork.”

Paul Black, PR and Brand Director at Andersen Press, said: “Everyone at Andersen Press is very excited about Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool, which is now just a month away. It’s wonderful to get an early preview of how one artist has brought their creativity to our favourite patchwork elephant, and we can’t wait to see Laurence’s masterpiece on the trail soon, alongside all the other Elmer sculptures.”

Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool will run from 13th April to 9th June 2024. The art trail is supported by Presenting Partners Thompson Contracts and Ameon, Learning Programme Sponsor Tower Insurance and Official Supporters Shared Services Connected Ltd (SSCL), Beaverbrooks, Partington’s Holiday Parks, RSS Events and Blackpool Council