THE GUERNSEY PUFFIN PARADE
Puffins are one of the most iconic and much loved birds that visit our shores in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. At less than 30cm in height the Atlantic Puffin lives out at sea for much of its life and each April we are blessed to see these comical little birds in full colour and splendour nesting and breeding along our coast. So many visitors and the local community love to see puffins and with this in mind Autism Guernsey and the GSPCA who rescue and help 1000’s of seabirds, decided to bring to our islands the ‘Puffin Parade’ which will coincide with the arrival of the puffins to breed in the Spring of 2023.
The Guernsey Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) was founded on the 14th February 1873 and in 2023 celebrates 150 years helping animals in Guernsey. With 1000’s of wild and domestic animals needing the help of the GSPCA every year, our education work, supporting the community and welfare work to prevent cruelty is truly 24/7 365 days a year. Without the support of the public we couldn’t achieve so much and we are delighted to team up with Autism Guernsey to bring the Puffin Parade to Guernsey to highlight both charities’ essential work and raise much needed funds.
What is the Puffin Parade?
The Puffin Parade is very much a community event and everyone can get involved. It is made up of 60 x 4’ individually painted Atlantic Puffin sculptures created in the Philippines and decorated by local artists, clubs and community groups, schools, charities and day centres. The puffins are made of high quality, durable, cold cast poly-resin and fibreglass and will be placed on plinths around the island.
What’s Going On – When & Where?
The 60 puffins will go on display at various locations around our beautiful island of Guernsey – including local businesses, schools, local attractions and places of interest, churches, restaurants and local landmarks – at the beginning of April 2023 and will remain in position until end August 2023. They will then be auctioned off in September to raise funds for Autism Guernsey and GSPCA to continue carrying out their vital work supporting individuals impacted by autism and vulnerable animals in and round the Bailiwick.
Why Puffins?
In 2021 Autism Guernsey and the Guernsey Adult Literacy Project organised the Goat Trail which was extremely successful and raised over £80,000 for the charities. Autism Guernsey and the GSPCA are now organising a further parade for 2023 – the Puffin Parade.
When deciding on what kind of statue to use for this event, it was agreed that we would keep to the theme of animals and birds synonymous with the Bailiwick. After much deliberation puffins were the favourite choice, although larger than their normal size.
The Parade
The Puffin Parade covers the majority of our beautiful island. How and when you complete the parade and the order in which you view the puffins is entirely up to you. You may choose to walk, cycle, drive or visit the locations by bus. There will be no specific timescale for completing the trail, however the competition and prize draw will end at the end of August 2023.
How do I Become a Sponsor / Artist
It’s very simple, to become a sponsor just download the sponsorship letter and application form. If you would like to join our other artists please download the artists brief and form.
Please note artists will be matched with a sponsor and your design must include input from that sponsor.
Download the Digital Puffin Parade Map
A route map is kindly being designed by Two Degrees North showing the locations of the puffins and will be available for free from the Bus Terminus shop. The map will also be found on this website.
Download a digital version of the Puffin Parade Map to prepare for your journey by clicking on the button below:
App Competition
You will need to download the app that is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app will be found by simply searching Turfhunt your the app store. Open the app then find Puffin Parade under Treasure hunts. Install & Start. DO NOT redeem invitation. If you do not have an email address please put your tel. number instead in the email box. This is so we can contact you if you win. See below for link for full install instructions or click here.
Although the app is free we ask that you kindly make a small donation via our giving.gg page
The app will assist you in finding the puffins, tracking the route, and you can take a photo with the puffin which will be stored on your app. You may also share the photos on social media. Once you have take your photos with the 60 puffins you will have the option to be entered into a draw to win a prize.
Please keep checking on our Puffin Parade Facebook page.
The Puffin Parade Quiz
For those of you who do not wish to use the app, there will be a written quiz on sale for £2 at various locations around the Island.
Entrants will need to identify the name, exact location and sponsor of each puffin. There will also be the option to enter a prize draw for those who identify all the puffins to be in with a chance of winning a prize.
Puffin Parade Raffle
Hamper & Vouchers worth £300 – sponsored by Mourant
Puffin Pendant – sponsored by Catherine Best
£100 Les Cotils Voucher – sponsored by Investec
Jewellery Voucher – sponsored by Athene Sholl Jewellery
Jewellery from House of Fontaine – sponsored by OSA
Metal Garden Puffin – sponsored by Herm Shop
Small Hamper of Puffin items – sponsored by Herm Shop
£150 Aurigny Voucher – sponsored by Bedell Cristin
2x Tickets to any Event – sponsored by St. James
Afternoon Tea for 2 – sponsored by Les Cotils
£50 Voucher – sponsored by Puffin & Oyster
£50 Voucher – sponsored by Oaty & Joeys
Pirate Bay adventure golf for 4 – sponsored by Golf 19
2x 30 min professional golf lessons – sponsored by Golf 19
£100 Voucher – sponsored by Imperial Hotel
£30 Voucher – sponsored by The Rockmount
Champagne Afternoon Tea – sponsored by Fermain Valley
£220 Herm Wildlife Rib Trip – sponsored by BNP Paribas
£150 Lobster & Grill Voucher – sponsored by Sovereign
Tickets are just £2 Each and are available from the following venues:
Hotel Jerbourg
St. Peter’s Post Office
GSPCA Charity Shop
Imperial Hotel
HSBC High Street
Bonsai
Les Cotils Reception