A unique puffin trail around Bridlington and along the East Yorkshire coast proved so popular that the displays were kept in place until Easter
It is also estimated – according to organisers – that around 200,000 people are thought to have visited the area to take part spotting the 42 giant puffin statues.
And now there’s a ‘Grand Finale’ planned for Puffins Galore!, a project that many seem to agree has been a huge success and a very popular East Coast attraction.
For just one week, all 42 of these fabulous artist decorated birds will be on show in one place – the Landscape Showroom of West Building Supplies on Bessingby Way in Bridlington.
The colourful puffin sculptures have attracted thousands of tourists from all parts of the UK and have brought much enjoyment to residents and visitors alike.
Rick Welton from Puffins Galore said: “The display opens on Friday 5 May and closes at 4pm on Friday 12 May so it provides a very special event for families looking for something unusual to do on the Coronation Bank Holiday Monday.
Bidding begins on May 13 at 12pm, with the site open from 11am.
“All 42 puffins left their roots a couple of weeks ago and have been getting some much needed attention to their paintwork by a crack team of Puffin restoration experts.
“One or two have needed some pretty major surgery but most have simply needed to be cleaned and to have the occasional scratch painted over.
“Once they are looking their best again they will be on show before going to new homes around the region.
“Many have been bought by the generous local sponsors who made this whole event possible but 14 puffins will be up for auction on Saturday 13 May.” explained Rick.
All the profits from the sponsor purchases and the auction will be distributed between the project’s selected charities, RNLI, RSPB, Hornsea Inshore Rescue and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
The auction will be conducted by Gilbert Baitson Auctioneers of Hull who previously auctioned the Larkin Toads and Amy Johnson Moths.
Clare Huby, one of the project’s directors, explained about the display: “We know that thousands of people have visited all of the puffins but we also know that others have only been able to get to a few.
“The display will be a great chance to see them all together in one very accessible location.
“Each puffin will have its QR code so that people can tick them off on the very popular Spotter’s App.”
“Thanks to the support of Yorkshire Coast BID and East Riding Council, admission to the Puffin Display will be free, and there’s no need to book your visit in advance – just turn up! “
Puffins Galore’s publications will be on sale at the display along with Puffins Galore fridge magnets, mugs and posters.
Opening times for the Puffin Display will be:
Friday 5 May: 10am – 4pm.
Saturday 6 May: 10am – 12pm.
Sunday 7 May: Closed.
Monday 8 May (Coronation Bank Holiday) to Friday 12 May: 10am – 4pm.
On Saturday 13 May, the Charity Auction will open at 11am for bidding to start at 12pm.
For more information about Puffins Galore!, the display and the auction, visit www. puffinsgalore.co.uk
