Sculpture trails across the country seem to be growing in popularity. Perhaps the Bristol Gromit trail is the most famous, which attracted 1.8 million visitors and has raised £4.5 million for Bristol Children’s Hospital.

Norwich had gorilla sculptures, Northampton had lions and, more locally, Cirencester had a trail of hares last year. So, it’s about time Gloucester joined in too. And this year, of all years, seems an ideal time to do it.

After a debate about whether we should have Old Spot pigs, Tailor of Gloucester cats or even seagulls (really?), we settled on a new character called Scrumpty. I’ve got to be honest, it was my idea – although I can’t claim credit for the way in which it has been developed. Scrumpty is a mixture of Humpty Dumpty (which, legend has it, was a siege engine in Gloucester during the Civil War) and a rugby ball, to reflect our most high-profile sport.

Encouraging footfall and circulation in the city centre
The idea, as well as to give the city a taste of artistic flair with a fun theme, is to encourage footfall and circulation around the city centre, allowing all traders to benefit from this year’s influx of visitors. Around twenty-five sculptures will be placed in prominent locations around the gate streets, Docks and Quays, and perhaps even towards Kingsholm. All of these will be sponsored by businesses, with only a couple still left to be snapped up.

Each Scrumpty sculpture will be decorated in a different style by local artists, including the acclaimed Swarez, as well as local schools who have already been working on their designs.

Scrumpty is already active on social media – on Facebook (facebook.com/TheScrumptyTrail) and Twitter (@ScrumptyTrail). A call has gone out for businesses to take advantage of merchandising opportunities from lapel badges to t-shirts – and even pickled eggs! Gloucester could well see a Scrumpty pop-up shop during the summer months.

It may be the first time you’ve heard of Scrumpty, but I reckon you’ll be hearing a lot more of him!