Wallace and Gromit's 2025 Oscar Moment and Bristol Legacy
A Year of Celebration for Wallace and Gromit
2025 was a remarkable year for Bristol, particularly for the iconic duo Wallace and Gromit. The city celebrated the 30th anniversary of their fundraising partnership with The Grand Appeal, a charity dedicated to supporting Bristol Children’s Hospital. This year saw the beloved inventor and his loyal companion take center stage in both local and global events, from street exhibitions to high-profile award ceremonies.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the year was the release of a feature film that aired on Christmas Day 2024. The success of this film led to an unexpected appearance at the Oscars, where the duo graced the red carpet alongside some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.
The Gromit Unleashed 3 Sculpture Trail
The Gromit Unleashed 3 sculpture trail was a major event that captured the imagination of Bristol residents and fans from across the country. With over 50 sculptures spread across various locations, including Broadmead, Cabot Circus, The Wave, Aerospace Bristol, and more, the trail offered a unique blend of art, culture, and community engagement.
This year’s theme brought together some of the most famous names in cinema and music to create stunning designs. Notable collaborations included a Feathers McGraw inspired by Wednesday Addams, designed by Netflix for the second season of the Tim Burton show. There was also a 'Yellow Submarine' design signed by Sir Paul McCartney, a Poppy-inspired sculpture from Dreamworks, and a Darth Vader-themed creation by Lucasfilm.
Other notable pieces included a Gromit Woody from Pixar's Toy Story, a Love Actually Richard Curtis creation, and Roald Dahl's the BFG. Additionally, there were several works from Nick Park, the creator of Wallace and Gromit, and a Shaun the Sheep 30th anniversary collaboration.
The Auction and Fundraising Success
In October, the sculptures were auctioned off to raise funds for The Grand Appeal. Reports indicated that the total amount raised by the Gromit Unleashed 3 trail reached £2 million. One of the standout pieces was 'Darth McGraw,' a fusion of Feathers McGraw and Darth Vader, which sold for £70,000. Another notable sale was 'Bobby Dazzler,' a disco ball-style Gromit, which fetched £65,000.
Other significant sales included a Yellow Submarine Gromit designed in collaboration with Sir Paul McCartney, which sold for £25,000, and an authentic Banksy print that raised £19,000. Since its inception in 1995, The Grand Appeal has generated £90 million for children's healthcare causes.
Festive Celebrations and Awards
During the holiday season, the Bristol Children's Hospital was illuminated with a special Gromit Unleashed festive display, and a festive trail was unveiled across the city. Families and visitors could explore more sculptures and lit-up homes, adding to the joy of the season.
Despite the disappointment of the latest film, Vengeance Most Fowl, not winning an Oscar, it did win two BAFTAs and received a Golden Globe nomination. The film's team even set up a mini backdrop and red carpet at the BAFTAs, featuring Wallace, Norbot, Gromit, and Feathers in stylish attire.
The Future of Gromit Unleashed
While no official announcement has been made about a Gromit Unleashed 4, fans are hopeful that the trail will return. Previous editions have occurred every few years, with the last one in 2018. Some enthusiasts speculate that the next trail could be anywhere between three to seven years away.
In addition to potential future trails, there will be a major exhibition celebrating 50 years of Aardman at the M Shed. This event will provide fans with another opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Wallace and Gromit and their friends.
