We’re sponsoring a Gromit Unleashed 3 sculpture!
We are thrilled to share that we are an official sponsor of Gromit Unleashed 3, which returns to Bristol this Summer.
This is the highly anticipated fourth edition of the famous Gromit Unleashed trail, and we just couldn’t resist getting involved for a second time.
About Gromit Unleashed 3
Gromit Unleashed is a trail of Wallace and Gromit-themed sculptures across Bristol and the surrounding area. The trail was first launched in 2013, with 80 sculptures of Nick Park’s award-winning character, Gromit, decorating Bristol’s streets to raise money for The Grand Appeal and Bristol Children’s Hospital.
A whole host of businesses sponsored the Gromit sculptures, which featured designs by famous artists such as Disney Pixar, Sir Quentin Blake, and Cath Kidston.
After the trail ended, a whopping 25,000 visitors queued to view them at an exhibition. Soon after, the Gromits were sold at auction, raising over £2 million for Bristol Children’s Hospital and St Michael’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. You can still spot the original Gromits around the city to this day, and some of them are even in private homes and gardens!
After the success of Gromit Unleashed and back with public demand, there were subsequent trails: Shaun in the City in 2015, Gromit Unleashed 2 in 2018 (where we were honoured to have our own Gromit, Bristol’s Own), and now, Gromit Unleashed 3, which launches on 30th June 2025.
Barcan and Kirby’s sculpture
Gromit’s peer group has expanded since he first took to the streets in 2013, with new characters coming out of Aardman Studios and taking to our screens. So it’s no wonder the Gromit Unleashed 3 line-up is its biggest yet.
We are delighted to be sponsoring Aardman’s latest creation, Norbot, who you may recognise from Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, which aired on Christmas Day 2024.
Norbot stands for ‘Nifty Odd-Jobbing Robots’ and, although invented as a well-meaning ‘smart Gnome’, Feathers McGraw intervened to create an army of mischievous Norbots who stole house parts and equipment from residents to create a submarine to help Feathers escape.
Norbot joins Wallace, Gromit and Feathers McGraw across Bristol between 30th June and 31st August 2025.
You can find Barcan and Kirby’s Norbot in Victoria Park, Windmill Hill.
Our nifty Gnome has been lovingly designed by a local illustrator, Emily Ketteringham, who painted a mural at our North Street office in 2019.
Our history with Gromit Unleashed
Our relationship with Gromit spans over a decade. You may remember our ‘Bristol’s Own’ Gromit in Gromit Unleashed 2, who still stands proudly outside the Bristol Children’s Hospital*.
Bristol’s Own was designed by Susan Webber, who was inspired by Bristol’s 12th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment and the role dogs played in World War One. During WW1, dogs not only served as companions to the troops, but were also used as scouts, messengers, food carriers, and guard dogs. During the trail, he stood on Queen Square, just a stone’s throw from our office.
After being sold at auction, Bristol’s Own moved to the Children’s Hospital, where it plays an important role for patients and visitors. In fact, The Grand Appeal recently shared with us that, when children are learning to move and walk again after an injury or illness, their first venture is usually to visit Gromit outside the main entrance. We couldn’t think of a better place for Bristol’s Own to be.
Gromit Unleashed 3 trail information
The Gromit Unleashed 3 trail takes place around Bristol and the surrounding area from Monday 30th June until Sunday 31st August. You can see the 53 locations here, and a trail map will be launched soon. Click here to sign up for the Gromit Unleashed e-newsletter.
Make sure you follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram for exclusive Norbot news and, if you spot him on your travels, don’t forget to tag us on social media or email us your photos!
* Bristol’s Own is moving temporarily to the back of the Children’s Hospital for the duration of the Gromit Unleashed 3 trail, but it will be back in place from September.