On this day in 2022, the Ipswich Star reported that more statues were announced for the Wild in Art reunion event in Ipswich, which saw familiar pig and elephant faces return to the Town Hall and Corn Exchange.

The art trails through Ipswich from 2016 and 2019, Pigs Gone Wild and Elmer's Big Parade were celebrated at a weekend event on March 12 and 13 2022.

20 statues were confirmed to return, loaned by several companies and organisations that bought the artwork when it was auctioned following each trail.

These statues were displayed at the Town Hall and Corn Exchange from 10am to 4pm as part of an event that celebrated the upcoming Big Hoot trail.

Street performances, children's activities, and special visits from artists working on their owl designs also featured across the weekend.

The Big Hoot Ipswich was the third trail brought to the town by St Elizabeth Hospice in collaboration with creative producers Wild in Art.

Liz Baldwin, corporate and sponsorship fundraising manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said at the time: "We are delighted to see so many supporters of previous art trails kindly loaning their sculptures for this reunion event, which will really build excitement ahead of the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 this summer."

"Both the hospice and Ipswich Borough Council cannot wait for the reunion in March and if you or your company or organisation are the proud owners of a previous art trail sculpture, and would like your statue to join us for the reunion weekend, then please do get in contact as we would love to feature as many as possible."

Homestyle UK Windows owned two statues from previous trails, both of which were lent to the reunion.

Travel Trunk Elmer, owned by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines made an appearance after its journey to South America in early 2020.

Peter Deer, managing director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said: "We are really excited to be involved in The Big Hoot this summer, and the reunion will be a great way for us to celebrate our involvement and build anticipation for another really great trail."

"Travel Trunk has been raising awareness of St Elizabeth Hospice far and wide, having sailed to South America with us in early 2020.

"More recently, he has been on a tour of our Fred. Olsen Travel branches across Suffolk, and this will be the perfect way for him to end his latest adventure."

[From the Ipswich Star of February 27, 2022]