This August, Castle Quarter in Norwich will be hosting a packed programme of safari-themed fun activities, tying in with its sponsorship of this year’s GoGoSafari sculpture trail.
For 10 weeks, from 23 June to 30 August, Norwich and Norfolk will be taken over by the big five – gorillas, rhinos, giraffes, lions and elephants, as around 50 sculptures go on display, all decorated by talented artists and sponsored by local businesses.
Castle Quarter, Norwich’s leading social, leisure and lifestyle destination, is a long-term supporter of the Break sculpture trails, and is proud to be backing it again, with the sponsorship of a rhino in 2025.
This summer, to celebrate the arrival of the GoGoSafari trail and to welcome the arrival of I Spy the rhino, Castle Quarter has planned lots of fun activities. All free to take part.
On Thursday 7 August, between 12pm and 4pm, Castle Quarter will be visited by a life-sized elephant puppet. Led by a team of skillful puppeteers, watch the giant elephant as it wanders through the centre. There will be four 20-minute performances happening throughout the afternoon.
Then, on Thursday 28 August, enjoy a wild encounter with another giant friend. The legendary King Kong will be let loose in Castle Quarter for the afternoon. Towering tall at a mighty nine feet, visitors to Castle Quarter will have the chance to meet this iconic gorilla throughout the afternoon, with three 25-minute performances happening between 12pm and 4pm. Approach with caution!
We’ve gone big with our celebrations
Gemma Hyde is marketing and administration manager at Castle Quarter and says, “This year’s GoGoSafari trail will bring thousands of people into the city, as they take the trail, spot and tick off all the colourful sculptures on their trail map or app. Each sculpture is unique, painted by talented artists and local community groups, and we cannot wait to introduce our very own i-Spy to our visitors.
“As GoGoSafari is going big this year with not one type of sculpture to spot, but spoiling us with five different animals, we’ve gone big with our celebrations too.
“Visit us on Thursday 7th and Thursday 28th August when we have lined up some exciting encounters with two larger than life beasts. The giant elephant and gorilla performances will be free to enjoy and a spectacle to be seen.
“The shows are all part of our GoGoSafari support and summertime celebrations. As well as bringing people together, let’s not forget that these sculpture trails deliver so much good locally in Norfolk. Every time you download a map, or visit a sculpture, you’re helping Break charity to make this trail a success, which all leads to raising much-needed funds for their important work, supporting local children, young people and families on the edge of care, in care and leaving care.”
As well as in-centre performances, Castle Quarter will be running GoGoSafari themed “I Spy” competitions taking place on social media and in the centre, with the chance to win vouchers worth between £25 and £100, as well as cuddly rhino toys. Look out for clues on the Castle Quarter Facebook page.
GoGoSafari dates for your diary
- Monday 23 June: Arrival of Castle Quarter’s I Spy rhino sculpture and look out for GoGoSafari bunting, designed by local children
- Thursday 7 August:, 12-4pm: Giant elephant puppet performance
- Thursday 28 August: 12-4pm, Giant King Kong performance
To find out about the latest events planned at Castle Quarter, go to www.castlequarternorwich.co.uk and like the Facebook page.
