Giant art attack to welcome cyclists to Scarborough

Throughout the duration of the project, the aspiration is to get 2,000 people of different ages and backgrounds involved in the making and finishing of The Gigantic Jersey, a giant canvas for pictures and messages to reflect the inspirational nature of the Tour de Yorkshire.

The Gigantic Jersey, which will be 17 metres wide, approximately the length of an articulated truck, and more than 12 metres high, will be put together by local residents at community sewing bees and other public workshop sessions between March and April. It will be made from waterproof materials, with specific mounting points for final installation on the hillside overlooking the Tour de Yorkshire Stage One finish in Scarborough’s North Bay on Friday April 28.

Animated Objects Theatre Company, which has created the concept and design for The Gigantic Jersey with the support of Scarborough Borough Council and will be managing the project, is asking for experienced, quality sewers to grab their sewing machines and come along to the first sewing bees on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March at Woodend Creative Workspace, The Crescent.

As with previous sewing bees run by the company, there will be the chance to work on something large scale alongside a group of others, with plenty of chat, tea and cake.

Once the giant shape has been made, it will then be taken on a tour of different local schools, public and community venues to encourage local residents and visitors to contribute through words and images to the final look of The Gigantic Jersey.

Lee and Dawn of Animated Objects Theatre Company said: “We’re very excited to be working on a gigantic project of this kind, which celebrates the local community and involves people of different generations contributing towards a shared artistic goal. It’s going to be a large piece; you certainly won’t miss it!”

Janet Deacon, Scarborough Borough Council project team representative for Tour de Yorkshire added: “The land art competition is a fantastic way to showcase how communities take great pride in their area being part of the Tour de Yorkshire. We’re really excited about The Gigantic Jersey project, not only because it will be a truly jaw-dropping piece of land art that we hope will be viewed around the world, but more importantly because it will be a true reflection of the skill, creativity and enthusiasm of the local community.”

Anyone who would like more information about the first sewing bees should contact Lee or Dawn by emailing [email protected] or calling 01723 378906.