Bee in the City: Manchester set to welcome eighty giant honey bee sculptures

The Bee in the City world-class art trail is inspired by Manchester’s celebrated worker bee emblem which has been part of the city’s heraldry for over 150 years and is synonymous with Manchester’s pioneering and creatively industrious spirit – pollinating progress and renewal.

Each super-sized bee sculpture will be decorated with its own unique design, created by regional professional, emerging and amateur artists – making a visually stunning spectacle when the trail goes live next July. Artist Jodie Silverman, who is featured in the photography, is just one who will take part.

"The bee symbolises the industrious, creative and energetic spirit of Manchester and its people," says Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, which has teamed up with Wild in Art to organise the event. "Bee in the City will build on Manchester's reputation for innovation and the role that culture plays at the heart of city life.

"This accessible event will encourage Mancunians and visitors alike to explore the Bee trail next summer. It's sure to be a memorable and enjoyable spectacle. The Council is backing this special event and we would love to see the city's business community get behind it too to deliver something really special with broad benefits for the city."

Local and regional businesses are now invited to become the trail’s main sponsor, to sponsor individual sculptures and to support the learning and community programmes, thereby connecting to an exceptional event for Manchester.

Sally-Ann Wilkinson, Director of Wild in Art said: "Bee in the City will become Manchester's buzzword, attracting many new partnerships and collaborations to create a very special event. It promises to connect, inspire, and bring huge benefit and enjoyment to all communities through the power of our city's creativity."

To find out more, visit beeinthecitymcr.co.uk.