Sheep trail set to bring tourists flocking (From Craven Herald)
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Designer sheep set to brighten up Skipton
3:20pm Saturday 29th May 2010 in News
Some of the sheep wait to be painted – and they’re gathered in Skipton’s Sheep Street, of course
A John Lennon sheep, a peace sheep and even a “sheep of the desert” are set to draw crowds to Skipton later this year.
The 25 larger-than-life sheep sculptures – painted in eye-catching designs – will form a trail around the town.
And it is hoped they will bring visitors flocking in during the quiet time between the end of the summer and Christmas.
The town council project began at the end of last year and designers have been busy coming up with ideas.
The council has backing from the Skipton Business Improvement District (BID), with individual sheep sponsored by businesses and others.
The designs have now been chosen and sheep are about to be delivered to the artists in time for the August launch.
Skipton Self Drive, the first sponsor, is transporting the sheep from the factory near Elvington, York, to Skipton.
Peter Watson, from the company’s Otley Road base, said it was not the most usual of jobs.
“It has to be said a flock of larger-than-life sheep sculptures is not something we’ve used our vans and lorries to transport before, but we’re really pleased to be able to support a project aimed at bringing in more visitors,” he said.
Town manager Brett Butler is sure the sheep will prove a big hit. “Awareness of the project is growing by the day and new sponsors are joining us all the time, but I would ask all businesses to really throw themselves behind the flock,” he said.
As well as the trail, there will be a school and community project. More than 30 two-dimensional sheep sculptures were sent to schools and nurseries last week and children will decorate them with their own designs. And a “shopping trail” will be put up in shop and business windows in the town centre.
Mr Butler said he was delighted with the response to the community project. “We hope that sheep in shop windows will encourage visitors not only to search out the sculptures, but also take the time to walk around Skipton’s wide range of shops,” he said.
* People can get a sneak preview of the sheep at Skipton Sheep Day on Sunday July 4.
There will also be a chance for people to make their mark on one of the sheep and a children’s activity area.
To find out more, call Mr Butler on 01756 794357 or go to flocktoskipton.co.uk
