ELMER FINDS NEW HOME AT THE BEACON OF LIGHT

A unique Sunderland AFC themed sculpture is coming to the Beacon of Light this summer as part of Elmer’s Great North Parade.

The Parade, which is organised by charity St Oswald’s Hospice, will welcome a spectacular art trail across the north east featuring 50 individually designed elephants based on the much-loved children’s character, Elmer the patchwork elephant.

The Beacon of Light’s elephant – called “The Beautiful Game”– will be located inside the award-winning sports, education, employability and wellbeing facility from 21 August to 1 November 2019 and is sponsored by Stagecoach North East and Sunderland Business Group.

It is being designed by local contemporary artist, David Maguire, and represents the passion that Sunderland fans have for their club, with men’s and ladies team players sporting iconic red and white home shirts and favourite away kits from recent years.

We are really excited to bring Elmer’s Great North Parade to the Beacon of Light and host one of seven Elmers across the city

Phil King, Beacon of Light General Manager

“The Beautiful Game is a stunning design and a perfect fit for us. We have some fantastic Elmer themed activity planned throughout the duration of the trail which all the family can enjoy.  I hope everyone takes the chance to see these unique pieces of art when the parade arrives in August.”

Stagecoach North East Managing Director, Steve Walker, said: “We are so proud to be working alongside the Beacon of Light and Sunderland Business Group in support of such a positive initiative. The trail engages the whole family, encourages people in the north east to explore their local community and attracts new visitors into the region – and crucially – helps to raise money for St Oswald’s Hospice.”

Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID said “We are delighted that Elmer will be visiting the Beacon of Light. Football is in the veins of this city, so to have a Sunderland AFC themed Elmer on Stadium Park is fantastic.

“The Snowdogs boosted the region’s economy by more than £16m and brought 676,000 visitors to the trail. The city is such a vibrant place to be at the minute, so we are looking forward to showcasing our city and encouraging as many people as possible to spend time here.”

The Beautiful Game is one of seven sculptures coming to Sunderland for Elmer’s Great North Parade. Alongside The Beacon of Light, Sunderland Business Group and Stagecoach North

East, The Bridges, Sunderland City Council, Everyone Active, Sunderland BID and Nexus will also bring three sculptures to the city centre and three to the beach creating a fantastic art trail across Wearside.

David Maguire is working on The Beautiful Game’s design now and it will be unveiled in full, with the other 50 artworks when the parade is launched on Wednesday 21 August. A range of Elmer-themed events and activities will take place across Sunderland during the parade, encouraging Wearsiders to learn more about Elmer’s message of embracing friendship and celebrating difference.