Pride in Bournemouth launch at Royal Bath Hotel

More than 500 business leaders and other important local figures will meet at the Royal Bath Hotel on Tuesday evening to celebrate Pride in Bournemouth, due to be held across the town next summer.

Stars of the show will be actress, conservationist and author Virginia McKenna, representing the Born Free Foundation and actor Martin Clunes, who is a patron of Born Free and also local charity Julia’s House.

Both charities will benefit from the event, involving local businesses sponsoring a lion sculpture, then working with a local artist to design and display it in locations around Bournemouth.

All the town’s primary schools are also being invited to take part with mini lions and by summer 2011 there should be a large pride of beautifully decorated lions scattered across the town.

The aim is for local residents and visitors to follow a special trail to view the lions, which will eventually be auctioned off for the two charities.

Founder sponsors of the event are the Daily Echo, Bournemouth council, the Royal Bath Hotel and Heart South Coast. “Next summer lions will be standing on the streets of Bournemouth” said Miss McKenna. “They will be colourfully and powerfully reminding us that we are not the only creatures on the planet.

“The wonderful lions of Bournemouth will help to ensure that the thrilling roar of the lion will still echo in African skies and all of us at Born Free are thrilled to be part of Bournemouth’s exciting venture.”

Martin Clunes added: “Pride in Bournemouth 2011 is going to be a real crowd-pleaser and bring lots of people into the town but it’s also good to know that it will raise much-needed funds for Julia’s House and I’m happy to give the event my support.”

Anyone who wants to know more about sponsorship should call Charlie Langhorne on 07970 974511 or email Charlie@wildinart.co.uk Details of the organisation behind Pride in Bournemouth can be found at wildinart.co.uk or prideinbournemouth.com