Families will get the chance to see the stars of Clan’s latest sculpture trail all in one place this weekend.
Clan’s Big Hop Trail took people of all ages right across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray and even the islands as they worked to tick off the array of colour hare sculptures.
The 550-mile public art trail stretched from Stonehaven to Lerwick.
This weekend, the public will have a last chance to admire the 92 hares and leveret artworks at Aberdeen Music Hall before they are auctioned off for the cancer charity.
Here is everything you need to know about the Big Hop Trail Farewell Weekend.
What is The Big Hop Trail?
The art initiative was put in place by Clan Cancer Support and coincides with the organisations’ 40th anniversary.
Each hare represents a year of Clan’s commitment to supporting people affected by cancer.
The charity said they chose the hare sculpture for the animal’s resilience and “exceptional hearing” reflecting their lifeline listening and support service.
Artists across Scotland were invited to help decorate the 40 6ft fibreglass effigies.
They were then placed around Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, with a couple in Lerwick, Kirkwall, Elgin and Fochabers for the public to enjoy.
Where is the Farewell Weekend?
Visitors can hop along to the Big Hop Farewell Weekend at the Music Hall on Saturday and Sunday.
Ticket holders can take in the array of designs on display at the Music Hall from 10am-5pm.
Those using the dedicated trail app can also “collect” unseen sculptures.
More than 1,400 tickets have already been sold.
Clan’s sculpture trail project manager Teresa Bremner, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support of the public throughout the trail. They have embraced our hares and the artists behind them.
“We are so excited to welcome thousands of visitors to the Farewell Weekend this Saturday and Sunday for a special opportunity to see our entire drove within one of Aberdeen’s most beautiful and iconic venues.
“It will be the perfect send off for our hares before they are given new homes at our auction.”
How much are tickets?
Tickets for the event cost £5 with children under five allowed entry for free.
For more information or to book your ticket for the weekend event or auction, click here.
What happens to the hares after the weekend?
The 40 six-foot hares and five of the 52 leveret sculptures be auctioned off on September 18.
The young hare mini sculptures were designed by local school pupils.
They will be sold by Bargain Hunt presenter and auctioneer Charles Hanson at the Music Hall. Bidding will start at £3,000.
All the proceeds will go to Clan Cancer Support.
The trail was carried out in partnership with Wild in Art.
Charlie Langhorne, managing director and co-founder of Wild in Art, said: “The Big Hop has already brought so much joy to the thousands of people who have explored the trail this summer.
“Seeing all the hares gathered together at the Farewell Weekend will be an amazing spectacle and they now have an important job to do, to help raise funds for Clan.”
Conversation