Great Yarmouth's heritage to feature in sculpture trail

This £330,000 Government Town Deal-funded project intends to offer people a rich experience, with sculptures focussed on themes of maritime and medieval history, arts heritage, seaside life, transport and energy.

Councillor Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: ''We are delighted to have received Government funding to be able to deliver an excellent new addition to the town that enhances our public spaces for the community and improves our tourism offer.

‘’We had huge interest from the arts community to create the pieces and we have an incredibly rich and vibrant range of sculptures that I know people will take to their hearts and that will be a real asset for the borough.’’

Original sketch of what 'Yarn with Ernie' by Mark Goldsworthy could look like (Image: Mark Goldsworthy)

£50,000 of Government Future High Streets funding has enabled an additional sculpture to be part of the Market Place improvement works.

Bungay artist Mark Goldsworthy is creating 'Yarn with Ernie', a tribute to the people of Yarmouth, using the late artist Ernie Childs as inspiration.

Mr Childs was born in the town’s Row 73 in 1947 and was celebrated for his maritime paintings that were inspired by the fishing industry.

Mr Goldsworthy said: ‘’I am delighted to have been chosen to make what I hope will be a fitting tribute to the people of the town.

‘’It is a privilege to be able to create a statue that honours the heritage of the town as well as its people."

Councillor James Bensley, Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s portfolio holder for tourism, culture and coastal management, said: ''This exciting and high-quality new trail will offer our residents and visitors the opportunity to see first-class public art and give people a chance to explore Great Yarmouth and discover more about the town."