VISITORS to one of the UK’s leading LGBT events will be able to ‘paws’ for thought as they get up close and personal with one of the Great North Snowdogs.
Disco Dog is pulling on his party pants and heading to this year’s Newcastle Pride event, which runs over the weekend July 15-17 at Newcastle’s Town Moor in a bid to raise awareness of the Great North Snowdogs Initiative.
The 1.5m high mirrorball-inspired pooch is one of 60 giant Snowdog sculptures and 150 mini Snowdogs, decorated by school children, which will feature in the largest public art trail of its kind to be held in the region later this year.
For 10 weeks starting on September 19, streets, parks and open spaces across Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland will play host to individually designed Snowdog sculptures, based on the story The Snowman and The Snowdog by Raymond Briggs.
The large Snowdogs have been decorated and painted by professional and celebrity artists and, along with the mini Snowdogs, will make up a sculpture trail with a map, dedicated app and website, which will take visitors to popular and lesser known areas of the region on a route covered by the Metro system and other public transport.
The initiative aims to boost the local economy and is the brainchild of creative producers Wild in Art in partnership with St Oswald’s Children’s Hospice and is bringing together businesses, artists, schools and community groups. Funds raised will go towards the charity’s Children and Young Adult’s Service.
Ahead of the trail launch, many of the dogs are getting out and about and meeting people at events across the region. Among those breaking free from their leashes this summer is Disco Dog who will be on hand to add a touch of sparkle as he tries to steal the show at Newcastle Pride.
This year’s Newcastle Pride offers one of the biggest line-ups in its nine-year history and will include headline performances by 5ive and Heather Small as well as appearances from acts including Jake Quickenden, Nathan Moore and Sonia.
It will also feature a host of zones, stalls and entertainment on the ground where visitors will be able to meet Disco Dog among the attractions.
“We are delighted to announce that Disco Dog will be attending Newcastle Pride this year, to coincide with St Oswald’s 30th birthday,” said Anita Ball, Director of Income Generation and Marketing at St Oswald’s Children’s Hospice.
“We want as many people as possible to visit Great North Snowdogs and, ahead of the trail opening, some of our best-behaved dogs are going out and about in the local communities to meet people and let them know who they are and what they are doing.
“Disco Dog has already proved to be a bit of a show-stopper at other local events he’s attended and we are sure he will love Newcastle Pride almost as much as visitors are going to love him.”
For further information on the Great North Snowdogs visit www.greatnorthsnowdogs.co.uk or call 0191 285 0063. For more details about Newcastle Pride including full listings visit www.northern-pride.com.