Schools are signing up to Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool
Schools across the Fylde coast have signed up to be part of Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool, giving their children their very own Young Elmer to decorate and have on the town’s first major art trail inspired by the beloved children’s books from David McKee, published by Andersen Press.
Now trail organisers at Brian House Children’s Hospice are keen to hear from more schools and youth organisations to join the young herd.
As part of the trail, local schools and youth groups can sign up to a Learning Programme where they’ll get access to a full resource pack, helping them to fully integrate Elmer and the art trail into their creative curriculum.
Their school or organisation will get a smaller Young Elmer to design and decorate, ready to go on the trail with the large Elmer sculptures. Then, once the trail is over, their Young Elmer will be returned to them – to its forever home – as a lasting legacy of their creativity and being involved in something truly special.
Andrea Logue from Chaucer Primary School said: “When we heard about Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool and what it would mean for Chaucer Primary School to be involved, we couldn’t wait to sign up! This wonderful event is not only a real first for our town, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity for our amazing young people to explore and showcase their creativity in such a unique way.
“Our pupils are so excited to experiment through art to create a wonderful Young Elmer, which all of our families can visit during the trail next spring. To get our Elmer back at the end of the trail is the icing on the cake – giving us the chance to talk about our involvement for years to come and truly celebrate the wonderful things that make us all different.
“We’re thrilled to be able to use this chance to talk to our families about the important work of Brian House and help to raise as much as possible for this exceptional local charity.”
By joining Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool, schools are agreeing to raise at least £750 for Brian House and will get a pack full of ideas to help them achieve their goal as well as range of lesson ideas to integrate into their curriculum, delivered against the new Ofsted framework.
Linzi Warburton, Head of Fundraising at Brian House, says: “Our Learning Programme is a key part of Elmer’s Big Parage Blackpool, making art accessible to all and helping local children and young people to get involved in this wonderful celebration of diversity and inclusion in our home town.
“Our Learning Programme will encourage conversations around bereavement in local schools and organisations, while supporting young people’s health and wellbeing as they take part in the art trail
“We hope our schools and youth groups use this opportunity to develop links in their communities and form strategic educational partnerships while raising vital funds so we can care for our area’s most fragile children.”
Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool will run from 13th April to 9th June 2024. Its Learning Programme is sponsored by Tower Insurance. The art trail is supported by Presenting Partners Thompson Contracts and Ameon and Official Supporters Shared Services Connected Ltd (SSCL) and Beaverbrooks.