Excitement beckons for families and visitors to North Tyneside this half-term as thousands continue to take part in Morph’s Epic Art Adventure.
Around 30,000 people are thought to have explored North Tyneside’s town centres already over the last few weeks as the new art trail continues to draw in the crowds.
The world premiere of the art trail features 20 life-sized, individually designed sculptures, inspired by the iconic clay character who made his TV debut in 1977 on the BBC children’s art programme Take Hart, alongside artist and presenter Tony Hart.
Cllr Sarah Day, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure said, “The borough’s visitor economy is worth over £280m annually and supports over 4,000 jobs, so we constantly explore opportunities to grow that if we can.”
"Events like these are proven to stimulate the economy and increase spend, support jobs and encourage people to get outdoors and active, improving mental health and support wellbeing.” she added.
Over 10,000 interactive apps and maps have already been downloaded, with only a small number of printed maps now remaining in local libraries.
Funding for Morph’s Epic Art Adventure comes from the North of Tyne Combined Authority, who, along with their local authority partners, have a strategy to grow the visitor economy, giving people more reasons to visit, stay longer, do more and spend more whilst exploring the full range of sights and attractions the area has to offer.
Karen Goldfinch, Chair of North Tyneside Business Forum said, “At what's a traditionally quiet trading time of year for businesses it's been good to see this event bringing footfall to our town centres.
“Seeing families out enjoying themselves, finding new businesses they didn't know about, buying a coffee, enjoying a meal out or buying from a local shop is so good to see.”
“It seems fitting that we have the Morph trail in North Tyneside, after all plasticine was invented by William Harbutt, from North Shields. We've a strong connection with art and the creative industries here and using local artists to create these figures is inspiring the next generation to continue in these footsteps.”
Dave Menzies, Centre Manager from The Beacon and Forum shopping centres said, “The Morph trail has already proved to be a fantastic way of encouraging residents into local towns and shopping centres. It’s heart-warming to see not only kids, but grandparents and parents having their pictures taken with the iconic life-sized models of Morph, which are located both within The Forum and Beacon Shopping Centres’ as well in and around the borough’s town centres.”
The colourful life-sized models of the Aardman favourite found in Whitley Bay, Wallsend, Killingworth, Forest Hall, Tynemouth, North Shields and Cullercoats until Sunday 3 April.
Morph’s Epic Art Adventure was created by Wild in Art and is presented by North Tyneside Council and North of Tyne Combined Authority.
For more information see www.visitnorthtyneside.com.