The Bid Zone

Roar into Summer with The Pride of Gloucestershire Trail!

Thursday January 30, 2025

credit Anna Lythgoe photography

Register Your Interest in Hosting a ‘Little Lion’

Cheltenham and Gloucester is set to roar with excitement this summer as The Pride of Gloucestershire Trail takes over the town from July to September.

This unique public art trail will feature a pride of over 30 large Lion sculptures, beautifully designed and painted by local artists, celebrating Gloucestershire’s rich history, culture, and diversity. The Pride of Gloucestershire Trail also includes a “Cub Club” – a pride of little Lions lovingly created by local schools and community groups.

This is a fun, free, and family-friendly event. Streets, parks, and open spaces will dazzle with their vibrant colours and surprising designs. Helping to bring together our community to explore and feel pride in their local area.   

Once the trail is over, the pride will reunite for a fantastic farewell weekend. The little Lions will return to their forever homes at the local school and community groups who created them. The large Lions will then be auctioned to raise funds for Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity.   

We are inviting Cheltenham BID businesses to host one of these adorable little Lions in their window or storefront.

Hosting a Little Lion provides a fantastic opportunity to:

  • Enhance your brand visibility: Showcase your support for a fantastic community project and increase brand awareness among residents and visitors.
  • Engage with the local community: Encourage customer interaction and create memorable photo opportunities.
  • Support a worthy cause: All funds raised from the trail will support Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity’s Big Space Cancer Appeal.

What’s involved:

  • Hosting a Little Lion: You will be responsible for providing a safe and prominent location in your window or storefront to display your adopted Little Lion.
  • Drop-off and Collection: Lions will be delivered to host businesses the week commencing 7th July and collected after the trail concludes.
  • Maintenance: Minimal maintenance is required, but you will be responsible for ensuring the safety and security of your Little Lion during the trail period.

Lion Specifications:

  • Height: 700mm
  • Length: 1200mm
  • Width: 400mm
  • Weight: 10kg (fibreglass)

To express your interest in hosting a Little Lion, please contact Carrie Smith, Lions at Large Project Manager, at carrie.smith12@nhs.net by the 5th February 2025. Please note that registering your interest does not guarantee that you will be selected to host a Lion. 

Photo credit Anna Lythgoe photography