CHESTER had a sneak preview of the Rhino Mania event this week as a garrison of Roman soldiers paraded a rhino sculpture through the streets of the city.
The Rhino Romano, as it is known, made its way from Chester’s Town Hall to the Roman Gardens.
With just 10 weeks to go before the event hits the streets, the impromptu parade entertained children and shoppers alike.
Sally-Ann Wilkinson, of Wild in Art, said: “The reaction to the rhinos when people first see them never ceases to amaze me; they have such presence and character.
“They will really invigorate the city streets and I can’t wait to see the thousands of visitors getting as much pleasure from hitting the rhino trail as we do creating the event for them.”
Rhino Romano was designed by artist Janet Fishwick and has been adopted by Bank of America European Card Services (ECS) for the duration of the event.
John Greaves, communications executive for Bank of America ECS, said: “Rhino Mania is about bringing art, culture and enjoyment to the people of the city and we were pleased to be able to give them a taste of what’s to come.
“We have adopted Rhino Romano as our own, but we hope the full herd will soon be adopted by the whole city.”Š
He added: “We are glad to be playing our part in bringing this unique art programme to the people of Chester.”
From July 5, Chester will be alive with the colourful arrival of the Rhino Mania herd consisting of up to 70 individually designed rhinos.
Some 120 ‘mini rhinos’ will also be standing proud alongside their much bigger siblings, courtesy of the event’s education programme.
Chester Renaissance chief executive Rita Waters said: “This vibrant and dynamic event is the most ambitious and all-inclusive public art project Chester has ever staged and will animate the city’s streets and public spaces for 10 exciting and unforgettable weeks, further establishing Chester’s reputation as a must-see European visitor destination.
