Northern Ireland

Video: Elmer trail in support of NI Hospice launched in Belfast

The uniquely decorated Elmer’s will be positioned around key landmarks, streets, and open spaces in Belfast for ten weeks until 31st August 
The uniquely decorated Elmer’s will be positioned around key landmarks, streets, and open spaces in Belfast for ten weeks until 31st August  The uniquely decorated Elmer’s will be positioned around key landmarks, streets, and open spaces in Belfast for ten weeks until 31st August 

The Northern Ireland Hospice has today launched its Elmer Trail, sponsored by The Irish News, to celebrate 21 years of the Northern Ireland Hospice children’s services.

The trail began at the Titanic Quarter, and is the first of over 70 sculptures which will be displayed in prominent locations throughout Belfast. It is estimated that the trail could attract up to 200,000 visitors to the city.

The event is organised by the Northern Ireland Hospice in partnership with Wild Art and Andersen Press, who published the children’s book after which the trail is named.

A number of Elmer artists, train sponsors, participating local schools and youth groups gathered for the launch event to see the final Elmer sculpture arrive in a convoy of branded Elmer vehicles. The sculpture was placed on the plinth at the SS Nomadic in the Titanic Quarter, as children from Sunnylands Primary School in Carrickfergus serenaded Elmer with an elephant-themed song.

At the launch in Titanic Hotel, Northern Ireland Hospice Chief Executive Heather Weir said: “This is the biggest event that the Northern Ireland Hospice has ever undertaken and it’s huge for Belfast too. I am sure it will delight the whole city.

The uniquely decorated Elmer’s will be positioned around key landmarks, streets, and open spaces in Belfast for ten weeks until 31st August. Picture by Joshua Murray 
The uniquely decorated Elmer’s will be positioned around key landmarks, streets, and open spaces in Belfast for ten weeks until 31st August. Picture by Joshua Murray  The uniquely decorated Elmer’s will be positioned around key landmarks, streets, and open spaces in Belfast for ten weeks until 31st August. Picture by Joshua Murray 

“Elmer’s stories all promote positivity, compassion, inclusivity and care. All these values align closely with NI Hospice and we’re so pleased that Elmer is helping us raise awareness of our important work in the local community.”

Grace Stewart, Head of Children’s Services at the NI Hospice, has been involved in the Hospice’s children’s services since it first came into existence in 2001, having worked nights before becoming part of the management team.

She said: “It’s been a great event to see the children sing the Elmer Song, and to kick off the trail which will be popping up all over Belfast”.

Ms Stewart also encouraged people to "get involved and spread the message of our work."

To find out more about Elmer’s Big Belfast Trail visit elmerbelfast.co.uk or download the ElmerBelfast app for free from the App Store or Google Play.