Have you 'herd' about the udderly brilliant CowParade 2016?

Surrey: December 10, 2015: Surrey Hills Enterprises is calling on the support of businesses to take part in its CowParade 2016 – the world's biggest public arts event to raise money for conservation and education projects to benefit the local landscape.

They are calling for organisations to sponsor a life-size cow and either decorate it themselves, or bring in an artist to do it.

The cows, which can be standing, sitting or grazing, will then be displayed around the county before being herded to the inaugural Surrey Hills Food, Drink and Music Festival on September 3 where they will be auctioned off. Those judged to be extra special will be auctioned at a gala dinner held at a unique London location later in the year. In a novel move, while the models are being decorated and moved around, their location can be tracked via a specially-created app.

Organisations can choose their own charity and the auction proceeds will be split between that and the Surrey Hills Trust Fund, a charity established to conserve and protect the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, leaving a legacy for generations to come. The fund supports local community projects and enterprise schemes that benefit and enhance the Surrey Hills landscape.

CowParade leader Tim Metson said: "CowParade 2016 will give sponsors the chance to connect with millions of people as the there’s likely to be a huge footfall to the varying locations on the trail. It also offers a huge, unique PR and marketing opportunity that should generate even international interest. Various levels of sponsorship are available from a single cow to a whole herd. The trick is to create a cow that will raise lots of money at auction!”

The sponsor’s logo will appear on a plinth and a dedicated sponsor web page as well as inclusion in the CowParade’s extensive PR and social media campaign.

The initiative has already secured offers of support from key players including the National Trust, schools and Surrey businesses such as Sandown Park Racecourse. The event will be driven by Coverwood Lakes & Farm and Surrey Hills Enterprises and has support from Surrey Community Foundation and the backing of Surrey County Council.

CowParade was born in Switzerland in 1998 and has been staged in more than 80 cities and towns worldwide. Over the years 3,000 cows have been decorated by more than 5,000 artists. CowParade New York had 450 cows and was seen worldwide by 45 million people. The highest-grossing cow was created by designer John Rocha for CowParade Dublin in 2003 — studded with thousands of pieces of Waterford Crystal it was auctioned for $146,000 — quite a lot of moo-lah indeed.

For more information on how to take part call the Surrey Hills CowParade team on 01483 661150 or visit the website at www.cowparadesurreyhills.com

PAUL SMITH ASSOCIATES
11th December 2015