THE demand for schools and community groups to help create an art trail's penguin chicks is so high people will have to enter a ballot this year.

The decision comes after so many local children, teachers and community members indicated they want to be part of Worcester’s third major public art trail in summer 2024, which will see penguins waddle through streets and open spaces.

The great Waddle of Worcester will bring 80 beautifully decorated penguin sculptures to the city, including 40 chicks.

The chicks will be displayed in city shop windows and at Crowngate Shopping Centre during the trail before being returned to their creators as a lasting memory of the project.

Following unprecedented interest in adopting a baby penguin, schools and community groups must register in advance before successful participants are drawn in a ballot.

Sara Matthews, business development manager for St Richard’s Hospice, which is bringing the art trail to Worcester, said: “We’re beyond excited to host the great Waddle of Worcester next summer and to deliver a huddle of baby penguins which have been carefully and thoughtfully designed by local children and

groups.

“We’ve been blown away by the number of schools and groups wishing to take part next summer and want to make sure that entry is as fair as possible. 

So, this time, participants must register to enter a penguin chick ballot, which is open now until 5pm on Friday, September 15.

“We know that designing a penguin, sharing it with friends and family during the trail, before seeing it return to your school and group, creates lasting memories for those who take part.

"Thank you to everyone who has entered the ballot to waddle with us so far.”

The great Waddle of Worcester is supported by Community and Education Partner, Worcester BID.

Sam McCarthy, chief executive of Worcester BID, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for local schools and groups to be a part of something really special next year."

Any school or community group in the county can apply to receive a penguin chick before transforming it from plain white to a work of art. Places are limited and will be drawn at random.

More information about the schools and education programme for the great Waddle of Worcester, and details of how to apply, can be found at waddleofworcester.co.uk/schools/

Registrations of interest in the ballot must be made before 5pm on Friday, September 15.

The great Waddle of Worcester is supported by Presenting Partners; Crowngate, DRPG, Worcester City Council and Worcestershire Ambassadors, Community and Education Partner; Worcester BID and Media Partners; the Worcester News and BBC Hereford & Worcester.

A couple of large penguins are still available for sponsorship. To get involved call Sara Matthews, business development manager, on 01905 763963, or email smatthews@strichards.org.uk

You can follow the great Waddle of Worcester at: facebook.com/WaddleOfWorcester/, twitter.com/WaddleOfWorc, and Instagram.com/WaddleOfWorcester

To find out more, visit www.waddleofworcester.co.uk