It’s Full Steam Ahead for Gromit Unleashed 3! 

There’s less than one week to go until the grand premiere of Gromit Unleashed 3. 

You might have heard the buzz around Bristol’s harbourside this morning as 12 new sculptures underwent a reveal worthy of the big screen. 

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The Director… 

Driven by Wallace & Gromit creator, Nick Park, our VIPs were carried by a stream train into the city to mark the start of our star-studded trail. 

The heritage locomotive escorted the stars of the trail between two iconic harbourside locations, Brunel’s SS Great Britain and M Shed, both of which will be unmissable stops on this summer’s trail. 

Joining Nick Park’s two exclusive sculpture designs on the train were designs by and created in collaboration with Sir Paul McCartney, Pixar, Richard Curtis, Oliver Jeffers, Jorge R. Gutierrez, Peter Lord and local artists.

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The Cast…

• ‘Toucan Tango’ – Designed by Nick Park himself, the creator of Wallace & Gromit, ‘Toucan Tango’ is a master of disguise. He may look tropical, but don’t be fooled, he has a heart of stone… ‘Toucan Tango’ is sponsored by and located at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm.
• ‘Astrognome’ – On his way to the stars, ‘Astrognome’ by Nick Park is inspired by “Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out”. He leaves a trail of stardust as he explores new worlds – one galaxy at a time. Don’t forget the crackers! ‘Astrognome’ is sponsored by Renishaw and will be a cosmic presence at We The Curious during the trail. 

• ‘Yellow Submarine’ – We’ve all heard of the Fab Four, but now we have a fab four-legged friend! ‘Yellow Submarine’ has been designed in partnership with the legendary Sir Paul McCartney and is based on The Beatles’ smash hit film and song from the 1960s. ‘Yellow Submarine’ is sponsored by The Wave and will be staying above the waterline there for the duration of the trail. 
• ‘Woody Gromit’ – Yee haw, there’s a new sheriff in town! ‘Gromit Woody’ has been designed in collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios. He is a new addition to our “Toy Story” family, following the much-loved ‘Gromit Lightyear’ in 2013. This rootin’ tootin’ pooch is ready to lay down the law. Watch out Gromit… There’s a snake in your boot!  ‘Gromit Woody’ is sponsored by LDC and will be reaching for the sky at Cribbs Mall during the trail. 

• ‘El Plumas’ – Fresh off the plane from Los Angeles, ‘El Plumas’ has been designed and painted by acclaimed director Jorge R. Gutierrez, with inspiration from his award-winning film “The Book of Life”. A true celebration of the Mexican holiday The Day of the Dead, Feathers is ready to doth his sombrero to the friends and family no longer with us. ‘El Plumas’ is sponsored by WWT Slimbridge and will be a symbolic presence there for the duration of the trail.  
• ‘Love, Actually’ – “If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love, actually, is all around.” In partnership with Richard Curtis, the writer and director of the hit film “Love Actually”, Gromit is re-imagined as a pup in love. To us, Gromit, you are perfect!  ‘Love, Actually’ is sponsored by Cabot Circus and will be bringing a touch of romance there for the duration of the trail. 
• ‘Rooster Booster’ – COCK-A-DOODLE DOO! Watch out, Rocky: this plucky, free-range Wallace, designed by Peter Lord (director of “Chicken Run”) is ready for his next starring role. ‘Rooster Booster’ would make a cracking egg-stra for the next “Chicken Run”! ‘Rooster Booster’ is sponsored by Hargreaves Lansdown and will be a feathery presence at their HQ on Anchor Road for the duration of the trail.  

• ‘Starcatcher’ – Inspired by the beautifully illustrated book “How to Catch a Star” and painted by artist and storyteller Oliver Jeffers, this is an endearing children’s story about the magic of friendship. This Norbot truly reaches for the stars! ‘Starcatcher’ is sponsored by Dick Lovett and will be a twinkling presence at Kingswood Park for the duration of the trail.
• ‘The Secret Keeper’ – From Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic tale, Gromit is re-imagined, full of beauty and surprises. Let the robin guide you to the hidden key and the garden’s locked gate, where you’ll uncover a world of wonder! ‘The Secret Keeper’ is sponsored by Peer Real Estate Ltd and will be an enchanted presence at St Mary Centre in Thornbury for the duration of the trail. 
• ‘Wednesday’ – Re-imagined in collaboration with Netflix from the smash-hit series, ‘Wednesday’ is mysterious with a calculated flair. Smart and sinister, ‘Wednesday’ joins the trail, bringing her signature deadpan look to the streets of Bristol. ‘Wednesday’ is sponsored by Burges Salmon and will bring her mischievous presence to Bristol Temple Meads station this summer. 
• ‘Oceana’ – Gromit’s shimmering, pearlescent coat, with imagery of the sea and a belt made from shells, pays homage to the folklore of mermaids. These magical sea creatures have inspired countless books and films and, now, this captivating sculpture. ‘Oceana’ is kindly sponsored by VWV and will be a sea-loving presence at Narrow Quay on the harbourside for the duration of the trail. 

• ‘Phileas Dogg’ – Jules Verne’s dashing adventurer is reimagined with a Bristolian twist. Inspired by “Around the World in 80 Days”, ‘Phileas Dogg’ sets out on an epic journey to circle Bristol in 80 ways – turning every obstacle into an adventure. Can you spot all 80 modes of transport? With thanks to our great friend Giles Woodward, ‘Phileas Dogg’ will be a distinguished presence at the M Shed for the duration of the trail. 
• ‘Marigold’ – Dressed as Bollywood royalty in vibrant reds, greens and marigold yellows, this Gromit is ready to steal the show with every wag and pose. There’s a new four-legged star in the city! ‘Marigold’ is sponsored by IKEA Bristol and will be a regal presence there during the trail.  
• ‘Jolly Roger’ – This fearless and swashbuckling pirate is ready to delight the crowds before his next big adventure, proving that even the smallest pirate can make the biggest splash. Ahoy, me hearties! ‘Jolly Roger’ is sponsored by Natracare and will be a seafaring presence at Underfall Yard during the trail.    

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The Fans…

The train was greeted at M Shed by a cheering crowd of Wallace & Gromit fans from local primary schools.  

Gromit Unleashed 3 is a very exciting event for these pupils since they will be designing their own sculptures as part of the Gromit Unleashed Schools Programme. They are two of 80 schools across the South West who have signed up to receive a Norbot sculpture to decorate, giving kids the chance to get creative while they fundraise for Bristol Children’s Hospital.   

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The Stunts… 

Next up came some dashing stunts from our star sculptures! The crowd was wowed to see ‘Marigold’ lifted by one of M Shed’s heritage cranes, allowing passers-by to get a spectacular glimpse of the Bollywood star.

Then it was time for ‘Jolly Roger’ to step into a leading role as he boarded Bristol’s former fireboat, the Pyronaut. The swashbuckling pirate jetted off to Underfall Yard, where he’ll spend the summer ashore as part of the trail.

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The Main Event…

The Gromit Unleashed 3 trail will run from Monday 30 June to Sunday 31 August, with designs referencing iconic movies, and the stories, fables and legends that have inspired them. 

Fans will have one last chance to see all the sculptures together at The Greatest Dog Show on Earth® exhibition before the stars of Gromit Unleashed 3 are auctioned to raise money for Bristol Children’s Hospital. 

Visitors to the trail can tick off each sculpture via the official Gromit Unleashed 3 app, available on Apple and Android from Monday 30 June. A map of all sculptures will also be available from various locations around the city.