On Thursday 19 March, we welcomed the Pride of Yorkshire partners and sponsors to the Millennium Gallery in Sheffield to choose the sculpture they would like to be associated with when the trail goes live this summer.

This special event gave sponsors and partners an exclusive first look at all 150 Pride of Yorkshire sculpture designs, including the reveal of their names, descriptions and behind the scenes photography of their creation.

Attendees were given time to browse the gallery, meet some of the artists behind the designs and choose their top five favourites. During the event, John Armstrong, Chief Executive at Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, spoke to the crowd and thanked them for their support of this ambitious campaign, saying: “This campaign will support our mission to create a hospital environment with children in mind, it will build upon the 150-year legacy of Sheffield Children’s and make life-changing differences to patients and families.”

He also thanked the artists, who have been working in our two painting spaces (The Moor and Meadowhall) and in their own studios for over six months, bringing their wealth of creativity and talent to the trail: “Having seen the artists at work, I can attest to the creativity, immense talent and care they have already brought to the trail. It’s almost impossible to pick a favourite amongst this incredible line-up.”

Carol Morris, Director at Signs Express – who are the Signage Partner for Pride of Yorkshire – said: “The event showcased a remarkable range of artistic styles, highlighting the incredible diversity of talent in Yorkshire and beyond! The artists were not only presenting their works but also actively engaging with sponsors, sharing their stories and inspirations behind their creations.

“Overall, the Design Selection Event for Pride of Yorkshire was a celebration of, community, and collaboration, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who attended.”

Emma Barnsley, one of the Pride of Yorkshire artists who has been painting in the space on The Moor since October, and attended the event, said: “It was great to catch up with all the artists I’ve met while painting over the last few months – especially since I’ve only ever seen them covered in paint!

“It was so exciting to see all the designs in one place – there were loads I hadn’t seen before and it’s always so interesting to read the stories behind them. I can’t wait to find out who has chosen my lions, and am so looking forward to seeing them on the trail this summer!”

The Pride of Yorkshire team are now working through everyone’s choices, and are in the final stages of confirming locations.

Feeling the FOMO? We’re still welcoming sponsors to Pride of Yorkshire! For more information about sponsoring, including benefits, costs, to see the line-up of existing sponsors and more, please visit the Businesses Page

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Pride of Yorkshire will run from June – September across South Yorkshire. 150 life-sized lion sculptures will be set loose across Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster in a celebration of art, business, community and creativity!

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