Art / Unicornfest
First look at unicorns ahead of festival this summer
Dozens of Bristol artists have unleashed their paintbrushes on a herd of ‘life-sized’ unicorns ahead of the latest colourful sculpture trail this summer.
Unicornfest will see 60 of the mythical creatures designed by Bristol artists placed in prominent locations across the city and the surrounding area between July and September.
The event will be raising money for Leukaemia Care as well as celebrating Bristol’s heritage.
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Bristol artists such as Hazard One, Silent Hobo, Inkie and Jenny Urquhart will be among the dozens of artists transforming unicorns into works of art, with shoppers at the Galleries being able to watch a few of the unicorns being painted.
Unicornfest follows in the footsteps of previous sculpture trails including Gromit Unleashed and Wow! Gorillas.
Artist Studio Mia is painting her unicorn as a celebration of St Paul’s Carnival, which will take place for the first time in three years in 2023.
Studio Mia has designed her unicorn as an ode to St Paul’s Carnival – photo: Mia Vines Booth
The idea of unicorns originates from Bristol’s coat of arms, which can be traced back as early as 1569, and can be viewed in locations including above the main entrance to City Hall on College Green, whose roof also features two golden unicorns.
Jodie Hancock, project manager of Unicornfest, hopes the works of art will celebrate this part of the city’s vibrant cultural history.
The nine-week long event forms part of 650 years of Bristol celebrations this year, and will end with an auction to raise funds for Leukaemia Care.
Main photo: Mia Vines Booth
Read more:
- 12 Bristol unicorns you might not know about
- A year-long celebration of a 650th anniversary
- Bristol’s coat of arms given street art makeover
- My Bristol Favourites: Jodie Hancock
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