They will start popping up around Ipswich in summer next year – now celebrity farmer Jimmy Doherty has been announced as the patron for Pigs Gone Wild which is set to raise thousands of pounds for charity.
The sculptures, of which there will be around 40, will be displayed around the town and its waterfront in a similar way to the GoGoGorillas! in Norwich in 2013.
The larger-than-life-size pigs, which will be decorated by local artists and community groups, will be joined by 30 junior pig sculptures crafted by school groups.
Sponsored by local businesses, the pigs will be displayed on an art trail for 10 weeks and will raise money for St Elizabeth Hospice when they are auctioned off at the end of the display.
Mr Doherty, owner of the Jimmy’s Farm, said: “I am really excited to be patron for Pigs Gone Wild 2016.
“The thought of dozens of uniquely designed pigs filling Ipswich town centre and the Waterfront with colour is very exciting, and the pig sculptures have great links to our rural and agricultural heritage – something I’m particularly passionate about.”
Norman Lloyd, hospice special projects manager, said: “We are thrilled to announce Jimmy Doherty as the patron of the project.
“We hope that this fantastic event will raise more than £100,000 for the hospice, which will make a huge difference to people who need the hospice’s vital care and support.”
The hospice relies on donations and fundraising to meet its running costs.
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