More than 50 Gromit sculptures have been installed over the weekendSome of the Gromits were unveiled at the Harbourside last week before they made their way to their trail destinations(Image: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)

Bristol’s highly-anticipated Gromit Unleashed 3 trail has finally opened today almost two years after it was announced.

The city and surrounding areas have been brightened up by the installation of more than 50 sculptures based on the much-loved characters in Wallis and Gromit.

Their origins here in Bristol, where creators Aardman Animations are based, make the city the perfect home for the free sculpture trail.

Among those to have contributed designs are former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, Pixar, Richard Curtis, Jorge R Gutierrez and Peter Lord.

Aardman’s Nick Park said: “It’s amazing to see such imagination and originality from the artists taking part in our trail this summer.

“I’ve had the privilege of watching the work of such talented creators coming together all in support of a great cause – The Grand Appeal. I look forward to a summer of Gromiteering around Bristol and beyond this summer.”

The Gromit Unleashed 3 trail will run until August 31. The trail will be followed by The Greatest Dog Show on Earth exhibition before all the sculptures are auctioned to raise money for The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity.

Nicola Masters, director of The Grand Appeal, added: “It’s a cracking day to unleash our 2025 sculptures today – setting the wheels in motion for a grand day out the whole city can enjoy.

“Each sculpture has been brought to life through the magic of film, fables, tales and folklore – a dazzling celebration of storytelling (and) imagination.

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“A star-studded spectacle that brings glitz, glamour and a touch of movie magic to the trail.” Gromit Unleashed 3 is now the fourth sculpture trail by The Grand Appeal and Aardman Animations.

It builds on the success of Gromit Unleashed, Shaun in the City, and Gromit Unleashed 2. Since the first trail launched in 2013 Gromit Unleashed has raised more than £20m for the Grand Appeal and Cots for Tots.

The full location list can be found on our all-you-need-to-know guide which will shortly be updated with a trail map too.

We would love to see your photos as the trail opens – you can send them in using the form below and we’ll include the best in a gallery in due course.