Take p-p-part in London's free festive penguin parade this Christmas

A colourful colony of penguins has marched into London for a special festive trail.

The Fleet Street Quarter penguin parade has officially launched in the city - and it’s totally free to take part in.

The sculpture trail, which features 12 adorable penguins, is being run in support of WWF.

Each penguin, decked out in unique festive finery designed by talented artists, is perched in iconic spots like Chancery Lane, New Street Square, Ludgate Circus, and Blackfriars.

But wait, there’s more! This enchanting free trail isn’t just about admiring cute penguins. Each sculpture reveals fascinating facts about our black and white feathered pals and the Fleet Street Quarter, narrated by comedic genius Olaf Falafel.

Simply scan the QR code and dive into a treasure trove of fun facts. Discover amazing information like how penguins can swim at speeds of up to 22 miles per hour - faster than most Olympic swimmers!

By scanning the QR codes on each sculpture, visitors can support WWF’s vital conservation efforts. Donations will help protect these remarkable creatures and their habitats, ensuring they survive for future generations.

The trail, produced by global public art specialists Wild in Art, will run for seven weeks with each penguin sculpture standing at an impressive 1.6 meters tall and mounted on eco-friendly plinths made from recycled materials. Accompanying plaques provide insights into the artists’ inspirations.

Lucy French, CEO of the Fleet Street Quarter, said: “We are thrilled to bring this enchanting penguin trail to Fleet Street Quarter, providing a fun and engaging way for families and visitors to explore this wonderful historic pocket of the city of London while also supporting the vital conservation efforts of WWF. This initiative not only brings a little joy but also reflects our commitment to creating a sustainable and vibrant community. We hope everyone enjoys discovering these charming creatures and learning more about their world during the festive season.”

Louise Oakley, Director of Community Fundraising at WWF-UK, said, “We are excited to collaborate with the Fleet Street Quarter on this wonderful penguin sculpture trail. Unfortunately, climate change is a growing worry for Antarctic Penguins. This trail is a fantastic way to engage the public in conservation of this iconic species and highlights the urgent need to protect their habitat. We hope it inspires many to support our efforts to help these amazing species to thrive for generations to come.” 

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder, Wild in Art said: “Exploring the penguin trail is a fun, festive, outdoor activity to do with friends and family. It’s a great opportunity to take a stroll around the Fleet Street Quarter, discover some truly unique and inspiring artwork while learning more about the important work of WWF.”