We’re thrilled to reveal our latest and unique chance for people in our community to remember loved ones in a permanent piece of artwork.

People can have their loved ones’ names hand-painted on one of the sculptures that will form part of the Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool art trail. The sculpture will be free to visit, along with more than 30 others, during the eight-week art trail, which begins on Saturday 13^th April.

The sculpture, which has been affectionately named Pebbles, will be hand-painted with 1,500 stone shapes, each one dedicated to the memory of someone special.

Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool will see more than 30 large sculptures based on author David McKee’s famous patchwork elephant placed in key locations around the town. Each one will be individually painted by artists and illustrators to create a truly unique herd.

There will also be more than 30 Young Elmers, created by local school children as part of a Learning programme, on display at indoor locations throughout the trail.

The art trail is being brought to Blackpool by Brian House Children’s Hospice, and is expected to raise more than £100,000 for the charity, helping it to care for local life-limited children.

At the end of the art trail, the large Elmer sculptures will be put up for auction to raise as much as possible for Brian House. However, Pebbles will be returned free of charge to Trinity Hospice where it will remain in the garden as a permanent tribute of those whose name it bears, and a constant reminder of the generosity of local people.

We are absolutely thrilled to be able to offer our community this very special chance to remember their loved ones in a truly unique way.

As the Fylde coast’s biggest charity, we are incredibly fortunate to have a large number of people who choose to support us in memory of someone they love, so to provide this exceptional piece of art and permanent legacy to those people really does mean so much to us.

As well as making a difference to local charity in someone’s memory, our supporters will be able to visit Pebbles on the trail time and time again, sharing with others the special moments that mean so much.

We know Pebbles will be well loved in our beautiful hospice garden; bringing smiles to the faces of patients, visitors and staff for many years to come.”

Pebbles, which is sponsored by Co-op Funeralcare, is the only artwork to be revealed ahead of Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool. All other sculptures will remain a secret until the trail is live.

Glynis Wilson, Care Logistics Manager at Co-op Funeralcare Bispham, commented: “We’re delighted to be announced as the sponsor of such a significant sculpture in Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool. As a member-owned business, it’s incredibly important for us to support our local community, and joining the herd means that we can help those who have experienced grief to remember a loved one.

“Talking about death or grief can often feel like the ‘elephant in the room’ for many. We hope Pebbles will play a key part in opening up the conversation on the topic in an accessible way, offering a positive space to remember their loved ones.”

Each name will be displayed as first name and surname only, and costs £50. All tributes are provided on a first come, first served basis and must be made by Friday 16^th February. Click here to secure your tribute.

Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool is being brought to town in partnership with Wild in Art and Andersen Press, with the support of Presenting Partners Thompson Contracts and Ameon, Learning Programme Sponsor Tower Insurance and Official Supporters Shared Services Connected Ltd (SSCL), Beaverbrooks, Partington’s Holiday Parks, RSS TM & Events and Blackpool Council.

For more information about Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool, click here.

To make a dedication, complete our form here