London's snowman trail will return to the capital from tomorrow (November 21).
A dozen 1.6m tall snowmen sculptures, which will be displayed until January 5, will pay homage to the animation and original picture book by the late Raymond Briggs. The free trail is a collaboration between the book's publisher Penguin’s Random House, and Wild in Art, a commercial organisation in the UK that creatively produces public art trails. Other trails it has created in the past include artwork such as giant tortoises, hares, and elephants.
The heart-warming tale The Snowman will be brought to life, as Fleet Street Square will once again host a dozen decorated snowman sculptures, for people to immerse themselves in the festive season. They have been described as the start of an "unforgettable programme" in the area, alongside the switching on of a "spectacle of festive lights at Ludgate Circus".
Lights will be switched on at the launch of the trail tomorrow (Tuesday, November 21) at 5:15pm, at Ludgate Circus. This year's decorative theme is the song the Twelve Days of Christmas, with each snowman representing lyrics of a different day in the song. For example, the first one, a 'Seven Swans a Swimming' snowman, will be at Ludgate Circus.
Each snowman has been carefully designed and decorated by British-based artist including Jessica Perrin from Birmingham, who has created a gingerbread-esque Snowman. But a variety of designs have been seen through the years.
Some shots from the 'Walking with The Snowman' trail, Southbank, London today. #LondonIsOpen #LoveLondon pic.twitter.com/GJxM7jq2Cd
— TownSeagull (@TownSeagull) November 30, 2019
Other streets where sculptures can soon be found include Chancery Lane, Carter Lane, Ludgate Hill, and Fleet Street – and one of the closest stations is Chancery Lane.
Lucy French, CEO of the Fleet Street Quarter said, “Forty-five years after Raymond Briggs’ classic picture book was published, the Fleet Street Quarter is excited to partner with Wild in Art and Penguin Random House Children’s to showcase a number of exceptional artists in this festive way.
“We encourage everyone to walk around the Quarter and discover the Christmas collection of snowmen and after finding all 12, they too, could be walking in the air!”
Charlie Langhorne, managing director and co-founder at Wild in Art, said, “We're really excited to continue our ongoing partnership with Penguin Random House Children’s for this year’s ‘Walking with The Snowman’ trail. Visitors to Fleet Street Quarter will discover the magic of the trail and see how the artists have brought Raymond Briggs’ iconic character to life.”
The trail map to locate the London snowmen can be found here.
Other UK trails featuring snowmen sculptures this Christmas are already up and located at Knole House, Kent, and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
