East of England Co-op joins the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022

The region’s largest independent retailer is sponsoring a sculpture in support of St Elizabeth Hospice.

The East of England Co-op has become the latest sponsor to support the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 art trail.

Starting in June 2022, the trail will feature 40 eye-catching owl sculptures located around Ipswich, including the city centre and the waterfront. The art trail will run for four months with each of the sculptures being sponsored by a local business and decorated by a local artist. At the end of the trail, the ‘Big Hoots’ will be auctioned to raise valuable, much needed funds for St Elizabeth Hospice services providing care and support to those living with life-limiting or progressive illness.

East of England Co-op’s joint chief executive, Niall O’Keeffe, said: “We are excited to be taking part in the Big Hoot art trail next summer, which will have such a positive impact on communities and the town.  It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring people together to enjoy the incredible sculptures, whilst at the same time raising funds for St Elizabeth Hospice.”

Similar to the Elmer Big Parade in 2019 and Pigs Gone Wild in 2016, the trail is being run to attract visitors to the Suffolk town and raise funds for the St Elizabeth Hospice. Each of the Big Hoot designs are due to be revealed in the coming months.

Liz Baldwin, Corporate and Sponsorship Fundraising Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “We are so pleased to have the East of England Co-op supporting the Big Hoot 2022.

“Every year they generously give such fantastic support to the hospice, whether that is through raising vital funds or sponsoring some of our flagship events such as Suffolk Remembers.

“The whole hospice family cannot wait for next summer to arrive so we can join with the local community and enjoy a celebratory art trail for all to remember and we know the support of the East of England Co-op will help us make the Big Hoot 2022 a huge success.”

For more information and to stay up to date with the latest news visit the official Big Hoot website: thebighoot.co.uk