Greater Anglia supports Elmer’s Big Parade charity art trail in Ipswich

Published on: Thursday, 20 June 2019
Last updated: Thursday, 20 June 2019

Greater Anglia is supporting this year’s Elmer’s Big Parade – the charity art trail in Ipswich this summer, in support of St. Elizabeth’s Hospice.

A beautiful Elmer elephant, Poppy, sponsored by Greater Anglia, is now located outside Ipswich station entrance as part of the trail of 55 large Elmers around the town, which runs until 7 September.

The impressive design, showcasing the lovely Suffolk countryside through which Greater Anglia’s trains operate, was created by Suffolk-based artist Laura Beardsell-Moore.

The design features Greater Anglia’s new trains heading through the superb local scenery. It was one of the aims of Greater Anglia’s participation in the project to celebrate the local area, whilst also promoting sustainable transport and the high-quality new trains the company is scheduled to start phasing in across its network from this summer.

The resulting Elmer provides a highly appropriate welcome to anyone using Ipswich station – be it passengers arriving in or leaving Ipswich by train, those meeting or dropping off friends, family or colleagues, or anyone else using the station or following the trail around the town.

Greater Anglia has previously supported the Pigs Go Wild project in Ipswich in 2016 and similar charity art trails in Norwich. This builds on a long-standing community-focused approach taken by the company, which includes other art sponsorships, support for major regional events and tourism and charity trains to raise money for regional charity East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.

Jonathan Denby, Greater Anglia’s Head of Corporate Affairs said: “We’re delighted to play our part in Elmer’s Big Parade and to host Poppy at Ipswich station for the summer. As a key gateway for the town and with rail being a great way to explore Suffolk, it’s good for the station to be part of the trail.

“We’re really pleased with Laura’s fantastic design and helps raise money for St Elizabeth’s Hospice. We hope everyone enjoys the Big Parade and saying hello to Poppy on the way round.”