UnicornFest issues plea to the public over damage to sculptures in Bristol

UnicornFest organisers have issued a plea to members of the public after five sculptures were damaged on the opening weekend. In total, 60 unicorns have been introduced in parks, outside shopping centres and in attractions across the region for the trail.

The event will last until September 3, and is raising money for Leukaemia Care through sponsorship and donations. Cash is also being collected for the charity at an auction of the sculptures on October 5.

But despite the welcoming response from the city, there has been some damage. Four have had their horns taken off. A fifth now has a crack in its head. The damaged sculptures are in Welsh Back, Broadmead, Gloucester Road, Castle Park, and by Bristol Aquarium.

And while repairs are being carried out, the organisers behind UnicornFest have issued a statement to the public. It reads: “All our unicorns are now in their locations across Bristol and the surrounding areas and we are getting great feedback from the public who are enjoying the trail which is raising awareness and money for a great cause.

“Unfortunately we have experienced some damage over the weekend, mainly to the unicorn horns when people have attempted to climb and they have been snapped off.

“We have a team standing by to fix any damage and are drafting in specialist fibre glass specialists as needed. We are appealing to all visitors not to touch or climb on the unicorns or stand on the concrete surround. Every single breakage sadly reduces the money we’re able to raise for the UK’s leading leukaemia charity, Leukaemia Care.”

The idea follows the path of similar fundraising trails with gorillas and Wallace and Gromit. Work started on the unicorns many months ago with local artists signed up to paint each one with a different design.

The locations were then chosen by sponsors, who generally picked areas with high footfall. This has meant some areas of the city have unfortuantely not had a sculpture - however, people have been supportive of the idea, which also marks the city’s 650th anniversary.

For more details, visit the event’s webpage by clicking here.