Leaping dolphins the next animals to get parade
Leaping dolphins are going to be seen around Guernsey next year, after it was confirmed they would be the next animal to get their own parade.
If follows a number of animal parades over years, with last year’s puffin parade raising more than £140,000 for Autism Guernsey and the GSPCA.
The charities are working together once again for the 2025 dolphin parade.
‘Last year the puffin parade, which was run by the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey, was a massive success thanks to the amazing support by all involved,’ said GSPCA manager Steve Byrne.
‘Behind the scenes we have been looking at our next joint event and we are delighted to announce that we will be teaming up once again and in 2025 we will be holding a dolphin parade.
‘Like the puffin parade and similar events in previous years we will be looking for sponsors for the giant dolphin statues and artists to paint them as well as locations to place them, help with the hunt app, website, raffle, auction location and much more.’
The GSPCA has helped dolphins that have been stranded in the past.
Mr Byrne said they were still tying up details, but were looking at a tall, jumping dolphin design.
‘We wanted something tall and striking,’ he said, 'but also robust enough in shape that bits can’t be broken off.’
About 60 dolphin statues would be made for the fundraiser. They would be manufactured over the summer to be delivered in the autumn ready for local artists to work their magic.
‘The puffin parade was an incredible event that raised much needed funds for both the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey, and we are so excited that both charities who do so much for the community will be joining up again to bring the dolphin parade to Guernsey in 2025,’ said Autism Guernsey director Andrew Sparks.
‘We cannot thank everyone enough who helped with the puffin parade and we would love to hear from anyone keen to help and support the dolphin parade.’
The first parade – with donkeys – was in 2011, followed by cows and goats.
Autism Guernsey is currently running its own teddy bear hunt, with 41 bears hidden around the island.
Anyone interested in getting involved with the dolphin parade can email steve@gspca.org.gg.
