Big Hoot Island Delight

Island Delight supports Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity and the Big Hoot

The Big Hoot was one of the biggest ever displays of public art ever seen in Birmingham.

Organisers positioned the owls in and around the city, on landmarks and in various locations, giving children (and adults) the chance to search for them all.

The 89 decorated owl sculptures attracted many visitors to the city, but on October 15th, they were all auctioned for charity. Furthermore, our founder, Wade Lyn, joined in and purchased one.

Raised £508,038

The charity auction sold all the owls and raised a huge £508,038 to support the Star Appeal at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, funding the UK’s first centre for children with rare diseases.

Island Delight is proud that the found of our company was able to make a contribution to this huge fund and the huge success of the owls means it is the kind of scheme that is being trialled in other cities around the UK.

Yellow – The Island Delight Owl

Wade Lyn’s owl is named Yellow and is described as simple and effective in the auction catalogue. Additionally, yellow called the Custard Factory home during his time in the city and was a great play on the history of the building, once home to the original Birds Custard Factory.

Designer of Yellow

Glenn Anderson, the designer of Yellow, chose his design to cleverly celebrate the history of the local area and its connection to that popular yellow dessert.

Glenn Anderson is a recognisable and leading figure in the Birmingham arts scene and Yellow is a great addition to his portfolio and now a member of the Island Delight family.

The Big Success of the Big Hoot

As mentioned the Big Hoot was a huge successful, both for the charity it supported but also for Birmingham’s tourist industry. Also, the Wild in Art Company delivered the event in partnership, truly capturing the imagination of the whole city.

Wild in Art creates public art displays, often partnering with charities. Moreover, after the success of the Big Hoot, they organised events like the Herd of Sheffield with The Children’s Hospital Charity and The Great Big Rhinos in Exeter to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.