Revealed: When the Cambridge Standing Tall giraffe sculpture trail will run – plus how to volunteer

More details of this spring’s Cambridge Standing Tall art sculpture trail - which will bring a herd of colourful giraffes to the city - can now be revealed.

The Cambridge Independent, the media partner for the trail, is pleased to confirm that the giraffe sculptures will be in place on the streets of Cambridge for 10 weeks from March 21.

Some 32 long-legged sculptures, designed by artists and sponsored by a business, will feature on the trail, along with more than 60 ‘Mini Gs’ decorated by schools and community groups.

The arrival of the gentle giants follows on from the huge success of the Cows about Cambridge trail in 2021 and will again encourage residents and visitors to enjoy the city from a fresh perspective.

The trail will also raise vital funds for Break, a charity that works across Cambridgeshire to raise the aspirations of young adults leaving care. The charity ensures they have a safe roof over their head and offers the support they need to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing, while making a lifelong offer to stay with them as they approach independence.

To help look after the giraffes during the trail, Break is now seeking enthusiastic individuals to join its herd as volunteer trail rangers.

They will help to prepare and look after the sculptures, while supporting events such as the welcome weekend and the auction at the end of the project, which will raise money for Break.

Anyone interested in being a trail ranger can find out more at a drop-in volunteer recruitment event from 11am to 1pm on 23 January at the Grand Arcade shopping centre, outside the Dr Martens store on the ground floor.

“We can’t wait to see our colourful herd out and about in the city and it’s our incredible volunteers that really help us to make the trail happen,” said Pete Marron, Break’s senior partnerships manager.

“There are a range of roles our trail rangers can do, from helping us getting the herd ready to go onto the streets to making sure they’re looking their best throughout the trail. They’re also the opportunity to get involved in events such as the auction and Break fundraising.

“It’s a really fun and rewarding initiative and we encourage any individuals and businesses who might be interested to contact us or come and see us on 23 January at the Grand Arcade.”

Delivered in partnership with Wild in Art, with principal partner Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID) and Alan Boswell Group as presenting partner, the Cambridge Standing Tall trail will end on June 2.

The trail rangers programme, supported by Xaar Inc, is open for applications from anyone passionate about art, community engagement and making a difference.

Visit break-charity.org/cambridge-standing-tall/get-involved/volunteer-with-us/ to find out more about volunteering.