Gorillas to grace Norwich

Gorilla statues will be placed across Norwich next summer Credit: ITV Anglia

For 10 weeks next summer Norwich will play host to more than 40 gorillas. The painted primates are being decorated by artists from across the region, as part of a project that organisers hope will raise £50,000 for local charity Break.

The charity helps provide support for children, families and young people living in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

Each gorilla costs £4800, with the artist receiving a fee of £800. Each statue will be sponsored by a local business such as Almary Green Investments:

Elephant statues in Norwich, 2008 Credit: ITV Anglia

Four years ago a similar trail using elephant statues raised around £250,000. But they're not the only animal statues that have graced our region. A pride of colourful lions brightened the streets of Northampton for 10 weeks during 2010. During that time local business reported an increased turnover of up to 14%.

As for next year's gorillas, organisers are hoping that they'll become a tourist attraction, as well as raise money for charity.

Along with Break, the Born Free Foundation will also benefit. The sculptures are made from resin and fibreglass, and like their namesake, are rather large:

  • 5 foot head to toe

  • 3 foot 9 inches shoulder to toe

  • Weigh 4 - 6 stone

The gorillas will be on display around the city during Summer 2013 Credit: ITV Anglia

The gorillas will be placed across the city from June - September 2013. They'll be auctioned in the autumn with the proceeds going to charity.