Christchurch Mansion played host to an unusual visitor this week as the Pigs Gone Wild mascot took a snout around the artworks on display.

Ipswich Star: Tally-Ho Trotters, the Pigs Gone Wild mascot, visits Christchurch Mansion.Tally-Ho Trotters, the Pigs Gone Wild mascot, visits Christchurch Mansion.

Tally-Ho Trotters will be one of the dozens of pig sculptures on show in Suffolk’s biggest ever mass participation art event, which begins on June 27 and runs until September 2.

Tally-Ho and members of the Pigs Gone Wild team were familiarising themselves with the rich artistic heritage of the county as they prepare for this summer’s exhibition.

Norman Lloyd, Pigs Gone Wild project manager, said: “We are really excited that this project is engaging so many different people to be creative.

“Tally-Ho Trotters loved his day out at Christchurch Mansion, looking at the amazing display of John Constable paintings. And what better way to honour and continue to develop Suffolk’s art heritage than by having dozens of giant artist-designed pigs dotted around Ipswich.”

Hundreds of designs for the pigs were submitted to be used on the trail around Ipswich and the Waterfront.

After a challenging process involving a panel of art experts, 85 designs were shortlisted from which business sponsors were able to select their pig. The final designs are now being painted onto pigs ready for the trail in June.

At the end of the trail, the pigs will be auctioned to art collectors across the region to raise money for St Elizabeth Hospice. All funds raised will help improve life for around 2,000 patients and their families living with a progressive illness such as cancer and motor neurone disease.

Mr Lloyd added: “Pigs Gone Wild is a fresh take on public art and we hope it will inspire and excite the thriving art scene of Ipswich and Suffolk. It’s a chance for budding artists to view some of the best work in the area, and ignite everybody’s interest.”

For more information and how to get involved, visit: www.pigsgonewild.co.uk