Blackpool art trail secures two major sponsors

Two Blackpool-based companies have signed up as Presenting Partners of Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool, which comes to town next spring.

Thompsons Contracts and Ameon have each invested significant sponsorship into the town’s first ever large-scale public art trail, which will see at least 30 large Elmer sculptures in key locations across Blackpool.

The family-friendly art trail is being organised by, and will raise vital funds for, Brian House Children’s Hospice.

Marton-based Thompsons Contracts are new supporters to Brian House and were keen to get involved in Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool.

Owner Matthew Thompson said: “We are absolutely thrilled and so excited to be one of the Presenting Partners of Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool, helping to bring the very first large-scale public art trail to Blackpool.

“This sponsorship opportunity was a chance for us to get involved with an incredibly important local charity as well as an association with such a high-profile event in the town. We are really looking forward to working with the Elmer team at Brian House and learning more about the children’s hospice as well as the art trail.”

Elmer, the Patchwork Elephant, is a much-celebrated children’s book character created by children’s author and illustrator David McKee. He reminds us about the importance of kindness, inclusivity, individuality, compassion and friendship.

For Brian House, Elmer echoes the hospice’s own values and the celebration how it’s the children’s differences that bring families together.

Building services engineering company Ameon, which has its headquarters in Whitehills Business Park, Blackpool, has been a dedicated supporter of Brian House for many years.

(ABOVE: Ameon show their support for new Elmer art exhibition coming to Blackpool next year)

Managing Director Robin Lawson said: “When we were asked to become a Presenting Partner, we didn’t hesitate, because we recently adopted Brian House as our corporate charity for all our fundraising activity, so this was a logical extension of our ongoing support for the hospice.

“We’re proud to be involved in this this exciting campaign and having looked at the many potential benefits of Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool, we’re delighted to see that it will work on several levels in terms of engagement

with the local community, schools, businesses and tourism.

“The potential for this to raise awareness of the fantastic work of Brian House and to generate much-needed funds is huge and we look forward to working with the hospice’s team to ensure that it’s a great success.”

As Presenting Partners, Thompsons Contracts and Ameon will each sponsor two Elmer sculptures, which will be decorated by independent artists and illustrators. As the highest level sponsors, they will also have their logo on all material associated with Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool.

Linzi Warburton, Head of Fundraising at Brian House, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Thompsons Contracts and Ameon on board as Presenting Partners of our art trail.

“This is such an exciting new event for the town, and by being involved, these two incredible businesses truly are instrumental in making it happen. We are honoured that they have chosen to be associated with this high-profile, family-friendly event in a very big way.

“Thanks to them, Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool has got off to a spectacular start, and we can’t wait to welcome more partners and Elmer sponsors to our herd, helping to boost Blackpool’s economy and tourism, and bring civic pride in the diverse town we are proud to call home.”

For more information about Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool and how your businesses can get involved, visit www.elmerblackpool.co.uk.