Penguins Post a Charity Boost Farewell
Liverpool’s beloved penguins have finally waddled away from the city, leaving behind a £40,000 legacy for charity and delighting 4,000 people at the penguin preview at St George’s Hall.
Visitor figures have also just been released for the event, revealing over 500,000 people followed the penguin trail over the seven weeks.
People from all over took part in the auction, which will now see the penguins showcasing the North West’s artists from Edinburgh to London.
Sally Ann Wilkinson, Director of Wild in Art said: “Go Penguins has been simply incredible - from the thousands of people who loved, hugged and photographed the penguins and the 45,000 schoolchildren who took part, to our successful bidders who will now be able to enjoy these beautiful works of art for many years to come.
''We are indebted to the people of the region for the way the event has been received and supported and are proud to be part of the legacy the event will leave behind.”
People came from as far away as Dublin to see the penguins one last time at St George’s. The comments book from the preview was brimming with praise for the event:
“What a fantastic display of art that brings everyone together. Well done Go Penguins”
“I only wish they could have stayed longer.”
“An excellent creative medium to highlight the quality of talent in our city.”
“Truly magnificent – exquisite!”
Go Penguins was originally a commission by Liverpool City Council as the finale to their Year of the Environment and acted as the key event to the Winter’s Trail programme with messages about climate change playing a key part in the event.
Lord Mayor Councillor Mike Storey said; "Go Penguins has unleashed a huge wave of creativity and brought so much colour and joy to the city - from our schools and arts community to everyone who saw, patted, photographed and kissed them.
''They have also raised a great amount of money for fantastic, worthwhile causes which means their legacy will live on in so many ways - and not just in the homes and gardens of those generous people who were lucky enough to buy one."
