Huge golden honey bee spotted in Manchester city centre

A huge golden honey bee landed in Manchester city centre on Friday.

The 1.8m (nearly 5′ 11″) high sculpture was spotted in St Peter’s Square, Manchester Central, Manchester Science Park and Castlefield in a sneak preview of this summer’s public art exhibition, Bee in the City, when over eighty different super-sized bee sculptures created by local artists will be on display for nine weeks.

Throughout the summer, residents of and visitors to Manchester will follow the trail, using an app to ‘collect’ each bee on the trail, which could include anything and everything from the The Bee Gees to Bee-am Gallagher.

Each bee is sponsored by a local business who work with the artists to create an amazing array of designs, showcasing a range of styles, techniques and themes that reflect the city, and will be displayed through streets, parks and public spaces across Manchester.

National pharmacy chain Well, who have been confirmed as the first headline sponsor for the trail, are working with Bee in the City to include a pedometer and other healthy initiatives to improve well-bee-ing en route.

“Bee in the City is such an important and inspiring event to be part of,” said Lynn Krige from Well.

“It celebrates everything that is great about Manchester, encouraging new people to visit the city, and local residents to explore like a tourist. With clear benefits in terms of driving tourism to the region; providing a fun, free, active and educational day out for families; and raising funds for very worthy causes close to our hearts, like We Love Manchester, why wouldn’t you want to get involved?”

Bee in the City is produced by Wild in Art in partnership with Manchester City Council, bringing all Manchester’s communities together to create the exhibition, and includes an inspirational learning project to give children and young people the chance to take part.

“Our golden ‘Au’ honey bee caused a huge stir in Manchester City Centre on Friday,” said Wild in Art director, Sally-Ann Wilkinson. “The sun came out for the beautiful concept so it really shone, bringing some spring time sparkle, and reflecting just a few of the beautiful locations which will be home to the Bee in the City trail.”

Any companies looking to secure one of the final remaining bees should get in touch with Julie Gaskell at [email protected].