‘Flock to Skipton’ is an innovative arts project which it is hoped will bring a trail of over 25 colourfully designed sheep sculptures to the streets of Skipton later this year. The sheep will form a high profile attraction aimed at keeping visitors coming to the Town in the period between the main summer tourist season and Christmas.

A number of similar events have been held in recent years in places such as Liverpool, Norwich and Bath – using animals such as elephants, penguins and Pigs as the basis for the sculptures. Sheep, of course, have the direct connection with Skipton!

The project is the brainchild of the Town Council’s Town Centre Management Team, who will be working closely on the project with the nationally-renowned ‘Wild in Art’ group – and with the Mart Theatre where the project launch is planned to coincide with the ‘Art in The Pen’ exhibition in August.

Brett Butler, Town Manager said, “Skipton has fared better than some in the recent economic climate, but it has been really tough for businesses in the Town. We need to do everything we can to keep bringing people to the Town. We cannot afford to assume that people will still come to Skipton if we just leave it to chance.”

The scheme needs the support of local businesses if it is to come to fruition and, over the next couple of months the first of the sheep – commissioned by the Town Council and with a design painted by local Skipton artist Anna Tosney – will be on display at a number of venues in the Town.

It is currently on display in Craven Court Shopping Centre – and, next week, will move to Skipton Town Hall before moving back to the shopping centre for a further stint.

Mr Butler said: “We have already had a number of interested sponsors come forward, and we hope as many people as possible will take the chance to have a look at our sheep, so they can visualise how they may look across the Town. The display has more information about the project, and we’d particularly like to hear from other businesses or individuals who may like to get behind the scheme and help us make it happen. It really could make a big difference to Skipton this autumn.”

As part of the project, local artists will be invited to submit designs – and local school and community groups will also have the opportunity to take part. A special ‘community sheep’ is also planned for the end of the trail, where ‘friends of the flock’ will be able to make their own mark on the display. A series of guides and walking routes will be linked to the project, aimed at getting visitors moving around the Town and, at the end of the project, the sculptures will be auctioned off with proceeds shared between local charities and a fund to allow similar events to happen in the future.

Information packs are available giving more details of the project. These are available from the Town Council offices above Barclays Bank on the High Street, or by emailing townmanager@skiptontowncouncil.gov.uk

To download a copy click here


Click here to return to the "Latest News" page