Giant rat sculptures are arriving in locations across our region as part of a new sculpture trail launching this weekend.
The trail, called A Mischief of Rats, officially opens on Saturday, May 3. It features 45 artist-decorated rat sculptures placed around Hull and East Yorkshire.
The 6ft sculptures are inspired by Hull-born musician Mick Ronson and his 1960s band the Rats, and are themed around music, science, maritime history and popular culture.
The trail extends from Hull city centre out to surrounding towns and villages – which in our region will be Brandesburton, Burton Constable, Hedon and Paull.
A free app – also launching on Saturday – will allow visitors to scan QR codes at each sculpture and access maps, artist details and themed information.
Organisers say the trail is designed to boost tourism and encourage people to explore lesser-visited locations, while also raising money for charity. The sculptures will remain on display until the end of August and will be auctioned off on Saturday, September 20, in aid of the Daisy Appeal, which funds medical research and facilities at Castle Hill Hospital.
The first of the 45 sculptures was installed in Hull on Wednesday, with the remaining rats placed across the region over three days.
Co-director Clare Huby said: “We choose locations based on footfall but also encourage visitors to discover lesser-known places. Puffins Galore! attracted over 250,000 people and we expect Mischief of Rats to reach even more.”
Neill & Brown Logistics and Strata Group supported the installation of the sculptures. Organisers hope to raise more than £150,000 through the charity auction.
A Mischief of Rats follows previous public art trails including Larkin with Toads, A Moth for Amy and Puffins Galore!