The eagerly anticipated Gromit Unleashed 3 sculpture trail is set to brighten the streets of Bristol and surrounding areas starting June 30. Earlier this week, under the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, The Grand Appeal and Aardman Animations unveiled two striking sculptures inspired by Netflix’s hit series Wednesday and Roald Dahl’s classic The BFG.
This year’s trail features over 50 sculptures celebrating cinema, folklore, and timeless stories crafted by international film studios, directors, celebrities, and artists. Visitors can embark on a cinematic journey as the characters take center stage across Bristol and as far as WWT Slimbridge in Gloucestershire — all in aid of The Grand Appeal, the charity supporting Bristol Children’s Hospital.
A special preview was granted to patients at Bristol Children’s Hospital on June 11, showcasing some of the trail’s freshest designs. The first reveal was the Big Friendly Wallace, inspired by The BFG with nods to Quentin Blake’s charming illustrations. Sponsored by Yeo Valley Organic, this delightful sculpture will be stationed at The New Inn in Blagdon, spreading dreams throughout the summer.
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Next, Netflix reimagined Wednesday Addams as Feathers McGraw, complete with her trademark deadpan expression. Sponsored by Burges Salmon, this character will make an appearance at Bristol Temple Meads station, adding an eerie touch to the cityscape.
Other standout sculptures include “Walk the Lime,” a lively tribute to the Johnny Cash biopic, featuring a cheeky lime detail, located at Wai Yee Hong. Also joining the trail is Norbot, a clever gnome character from Wallace and Gromit’s latest Netflix adventure, Vengeance Most Fowl. Painted by Bridget Phelan and sponsored by Bristol Masons, Norbot embodies British ingenuity and will be displayed outside Freemasons Hall on Park Street.
The recently revealed Ringmaster, adorned in a dashing tailcoat and top hat, is set to become a familiar face outside Bristol Children’s Hospital. Created by Tozer Signs with the assistance of the Hitchings and Milner families, this sculpture is another captivating addition to the trail.
Nicola Masters, director of The Grand Appeal, expressed enthusiasm for the event: “Gromit Unleashed 3 will transform Bristol’s streets into a vibrant storybook, celebrating the magic of cinema, film, and legends while supporting a vital cause.”
She emphasized the charity’s mission: “This trail is more than art—it’s a community effort helping to shape a brighter future for young patients at Bristol Children’s Hospital. Every sculpture tells a story, and together they cause a spectacular adventure for families and visitors alike.”
Gromit Unleashed has a proven legacy, with its previous editions and related trails raising over £20 million for The Grand Appeal and other hospital charities. This year’s trail promises new interactive elements, global partnerships, and celebrity collaborations to enhance the experience.
As Gromit Unleashed 3 prepares to launch, visitors can look forward to a unique celebration of creativity, cinema, and community spirit—all while contributing to a vital cause.