The Big Sleuth – Birmingham 2017
I am so so excited about this!! After the success of last years’ Big Hoot, Birmingham Children’s Hopsital is bringing the sequel in 2017 – The Big Sleuth – making Birmingham become Bear-Mingham for the entire summer!! 🙂
If you are unfamiliar with the concept – last summer The Big Hoot consisted of 89 owl statues – some 5ft 5 inches in size scattered across the city, all of which had been individually decorated by businesses, brands or schools across the county. Using the app, the aim was to find all 89 owls across the trail, and scan them with a QR reader to secure them as “tracked”. A slightly less technical Pokemon Go if you will! 🙂
We absolutely loved it, I had a number of visits to the city centre with Erin and she absolutely LOVED spotting the next one and having her photo taken with it! It was a great way of getting out and about in the city, getting some exercise and keeping Erin entertained, and best of all it was free!
At the end of the summer, the Owls were auctioned off to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital – and the campaign raised over half a million for such an amazing cause! According to the Birmingham Mail – 78 per cent of visitors stated that The Big Hoot was their main reason for being in Birmingham. Collectively, these visitors spent an additional £8 million directly as a result! An amazing result for Birmingham! 🙂
Well in 2017, the campaign is back and bigger than ever! In Summer 2017 – with over 100 bears taking over the city – its just Purr-fect!!! We for one will be getting involved, and I can’t wait to see the finished designs!! 🙂
For all the updates on The Big Sleuth as they happen – follow the Facebook page here – https://www.facebook.com/TheBigSleuth/
Here are some of my fave shots from last years’ Big Hoot
This was my favourite “Owl By Night” and was in Cathedral Square – love the way Erin is looking up at him!
The Free RadiOwl was also lots of fun – with a microphone linked to Free Radio to shock unsuspecting visitors – this was based in the Bullring!
Finally, Alf The Penguin Owl, sponsored by The Sea Life Centre was lots of fun, although he did get a little broken from people climbing on him poor guy! Still adorable though! 🙂
Can’t wait to explore the trail again next year! 🙂
Lucy xxx
