**Roald Dahl-Inspired Wallace and Gromit Sculpture Joins Bristol’s Gromit Unleashed Charity Trail**
A unique tribute to two of Britain’s beloved cultural icons will grace Bristol this summer, as a Wallace and Gromit sculpture inspired by Roald Dahl’s Big Friendly Giant (BFG) becomes a centrepiece in the latest Gromit Unleashed trail. The installation, aptly named “Big Friendly Wallace,” was revealed by organisers as they prepare to launch an imaginative event supporting the city’s children’s hospital.
Set to commence on June 30, the trail will see 53 individually designed sculptures scattered across Bristol, all in support of The Grand Appeal – the charity dedicated to funding life-saving care at Bristol Children’s Hospital. The unveiling of “Big Friendly Wallace” marks a collaboration between the creative worlds of Aardman Animations and the distinctive storybook universe of Roald Dahl, enhanced by illustrations from Sir Quentin Blake.
Sitting upon a bench with notably oversized ears, Big Friendly Wallace cradles a towering teacup filled with the bright green, fizzy Frobscottle – a nod to the fantastical beverage relished by giants in Dahl’s celebrated 1982 novel. This playful design brings whimsy to the city’s streets, inspiring families and visitors alike to explore Bristol in search of other sculptural surprises.
Further adding to the colourful cast of characters, five sculptures were publicly unveiled overlooking the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, captivating local residents and visitors with their imaginative designs. Among these is a striking Feathers McGraw reimagined as Netflix’s Wednesday Addams, painted in rich hues of purple and black and inscribed with the phrase “Wednesday’s child is full of woe” – a creative crossover that is bound to spark conversation.
Not to be overlooked is “Walk the Lime,” a citrus-themed Gromit sculpture inspired by the 2005 Johnny Cash biopic “Walk the Line.” With a bright lime perched preposterously on Gromit’s nose, the piece offers a lighthearted take on both the film and the character’s enduring popularity.
The trail will also highlight The Norbot gnome, a memorable figure from the recent Wallace and Gromit film “Vengeance Most Fowl,” ensuring that both long-time fans and newcomers have an array of nostalgic and novel sights to enjoy.
Nicola Masters, director of The Grand Appeal, spoke enthusiastically about the event’s return: “We are thrilled to be bringing the magic and wonder of cinema, film, stories and legends to our third Gromit Unleashed trail this summer, turning the streets of Bristol and beyond into a living storybook.” She emphasised how each sculpture represents a new scene in the city’s evolving creative narrative, with the ultimate goal of raising essential funds for Bristol Children’s Hospital.
“By following the trail,” Masters continued, “families, friends, and visitors from the UK and abroad become part of Bristol’s celebration of creativity while helping to secure a brighter future for young patients. This year, Gromit truly unleashes the magic of cinema, grounded in a very real and powerful cause.”
Thousands of people are expected to take part in the trail, which will run throughout the summer. Maps and guides will be available, encouraging participants to visit all the installations, share photos on social media, and learn more about the charitable mission behind the art.
As Bristol prepares to host once again a city-wide celebration of creativity and compassion, this latest Gromit Unleashed event provides another example of how art, storytelling, and community action can intersect for the benefit of future generations. Whether inspired by Roald Dahl, Aardman Animations, or the magic of collaboration itself, the trail promises to delight visitors while supporting a vital cause at the heart of Bristol.