Teens recall Gromit trail memories 12 years on

Twelve years have passed since the first Gromit Unleashed trail took place in Bristol, and now the teenagers who grew up with the event are looking back on their experiences with fondness. The Gromit Unleashed trail is a charity project that places large, brightly decorated sculptures of Gromit, the beloved dog from the Wallace and Gromit films, all around the city. Families and children have enjoyed searching for these sculptures, making it a memorable part of growing up in Bristol.

Seventeen-year-old Naomi was just five years old when she first participated in the Gromit trail in 2013. She recently recreated her childhood pose next to a colorful Gromit statue, wearing a white dress and smiling just like she did as a little girl. Naomi describes the new trail as a sentimental walk down memory lane, reminding her of the fun times she shared with her siblings and best friend. She remembers standing beside a Shaun the Sheep sculpture decorated with hot air balloons, with her friends and family gathered around. The sculptures will remain in Bristol until the end of August, after which they will be auctioned to raise money for The Grand Appeal, a charity supporting Bristol Children's Hospital.

Barney, now fifteen, was only three years old when he first joined the Gromit trail. He recalls being barely tall enough to touch Gromit's nose, but he was already a huge fan of Wallace and Gromit. Barney says that his love for the characters has never faded, and he still enjoys collecting models of them. He remembers the excitement of hunting for the sculptures with his family, and now, as a tall teenager, he still feels a strong connection to the characters that shaped his childhood.

Brothers Leo and Hugh have a special connection to The Grand Appeal. After their sister Lydia died of a heart condition, they began fundraising for the charity and have raised an impressive £65,000. Leo, who was only two when he first went on the Gromit trail, says that the event is great fun because it encourages people to explore new parts of Bristol. Hugh adds that he admires the charity for the help it provides to others. The brothers recently recreated their childhood photos, crouching under a large, colorful Gromit statue just as they did years ago.

Anna Hitchcock, head of commercial at The Grand Appeal, believes that Gromit holds a special place in the hearts of many people in Bristol. She says that the trail is about more than just finding sculptures; it is about spending quality time with family, enjoying the outdoors, and exploring the city together. Many people look forward to collecting the figurines and participating in the trail each time it returns.

The Gromit Unleashed trail has become a cherished tradition in Bristol, bringing together people of all ages to create lasting memories. For the teenagers who grew up with the event, it is a reminder of happy times with family and friends, as well as an opportunity to support a good cause. The trail continues to inspire new generations to explore Bristol, celebrate creativity, and help others through charity.