Shaun the Sheep to feature in Brighton art exhibit next year

Charity Martlets, who helped organise the Snowdogs and Snails installations in Brighton and Hove, announced that 50 sculptures of Shaun the Sheep will pop up across the city in autumn 2023.

A big reveal was held at the Royal Pavilion, where Martlets ambassador and DJ Norman Cook, known by his stage name Fatboy Slim, showcased a Regency-inspired Shaun the Sheep, created by local artist Sarah Arnett.

Norman’s own Big Beach Cafe has committed to sponsoring a sculpture, with other local businesses also invited to get involved in the ewe-nique opportunity.

DJ Fatboy Slim with Shaun the Sheep: credit - Martlets (Image: Martlets)

He said: “If you’re thinking about joining us in being a sponsor for the next trail, my advice would be to go for it.

“To be a part of such a creative and inspiring community project, in support of a local charity we couldn’t do without, is absolutely priceless.”

He also said that Shaun the Sheep was a perfect choice for the return of the art exhibition.

"Anybody who has brought a child up would have watched the show or a film and he is just one of those universally lovable characters," he said.

"To see his cheeky little face dotted round town will be fantastic."

Donatello, Tillo and Enter Gallery have also committed their support to next year’s trail, with the charity hoping the “Shaun by the Sea” installation will be a chance to celebrate and connect with communities across the city following the pandemic.

Fatboy Slim wirh Aardman’s Peter Lord and ‘Regency Shaun’ (Image: Newsquest)

Martlets CEO Claire Irving said: “At Martlets, we support those who are dying, and we’re also all about bringing as much joy to life as possible,

“We’re passionate about connecting people in need with people who care.

“Shaun by the Sea will bring together individuals, families, fundraisers, volunteers, schools, artists, community groups and businesses in support of those affected by terminal illness in our community.

“We very much hope local businesses will seize this opportunity to be a part of the Brighton flock with Martlets in 2023.”

Organisers teased what the new star of the exhibition could be in the run-up to the big reveal yesterday evening, with some of the charity’s staff dressed as farmers to suggest Brighton and Hove could be taking a trip to the countryside.

Rachel Peacock from animation studio Aardman, which created Shaun the Sheep, and is well known for creating Wallace and Gromit, said she was delighted to be working with the charity on the trail next year.

She said: “Shaun is such a well-loved character, entertaining fans for over 15 years with his mischievous adventures full of slapstick humour.

“We look forward to working with sponsors and artists to bring Shaun to the streets of Brighton and Hove - he is sure to add such fun and colour and we are in no doubt many will flock to be part of the fun.”

The trail is brought to the city in association with Wild in Art, which partnered with Martlets on the two previous art adventures in 2016 and 2018, the Snowman and the Snowdog and snail art trails.

Charlie Langhorne, managing director and co-founder of Wild in Art, said: “I have no doubt that Shaun the Sheep will capture the imaginations of residents and visitors alike while helping to raise vital funds for Martlets.”

The last installation saw 50 snails feature across the city, raising more than £230,000 when the sculptures were auctioned off at the end of the exhibition.

The Argus got in on the fun in 2016 with its very own Snowdog sculpture called Newshound, decorated with newspaper pages.