2025 The Year of the Rats!

A colourful public art trail bringing 50 giant artist decorated rat sculptures is coming to East Yorkshire and Hull for Summer 2025. The Grand Charity Auction at the end of the trail will raise much needed funds to support the vital work of The Daisy Appeal, a charity which helps people living with cancer, heart disease and dementia.

2025 will be the Year of the Rat in Hull and East Yorkshire as a unique parade of fabulous, artist decorated giant Rat sculptures bring a Pied Piper ripple of excitement across our area! From May to the end of August 2025 the glorious Rats will take centre stage.

They have modelled A Mischief of Rats on our hugely popular Puffins Galore, A Moth for Amy and Larkin with Toads, mass public art projects which still have a legacy many years on! A Mischief of Rats is brought to you by the same team that brought these three highly successful, award winning events to Hull and East Riding.

Standing at almost 6ft tall, each Rat will be a unique artwork that brings vibrancy, colour and joy to its surroundings. Rat locations will be carefully selected to attract visitors to less well known places as well as encouraging them to spend time tracking down Rats in towns and villages, resorts and attractions across the region. Wherever they appear these beautiful sculptures will attract curious glances and happy smiles from visitors and residents alike.

A Mischief of Rats will raise funds for the Daisy Appeal’s work supporting cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities which improve the life-chances of patients living with cancer, heart disease and dementia in our region. www.daisyappeal.org

The Grand Charity Auction of the sculptures, along with profits from any merchandise sold, could raise up to £250,000.

The project will provide opportunities for community engagement in the area. Community groups, care and health support groups, schools and parent-teacher associations will be able to engage in the design and decoration of some of the sculptures. In addition, our Mischief of Mini Rats will enable up to 60 schools and community groups to get involved in adding to the gorgeous rabble of Rats appearing across the region.

A Mischief of Rats will make a significant contribution to the business economy of the area, through increased footfall wherever the Rats are located. Shopping centres, markets, hospitality and leisure businesses, resorts and attractions can all benefit from an influx of visitors as people are encouraged to explore East Yorkshire, Hull and the wonderful sights and experiences on offer.

Participating in outdoor activity such as following art trails, has a positive impact on people’s physical and mental health, and well-being. The joy these sculptures bring, and their unique decorations alone, can have a positive impact on the wider community

For more information about the project please follow the below link –A Mischief Of Rats