You won't have missed the colourful big cats dotted around Cheltenham and Gloucester this summer, with thousands of people throughout the county seeking them out on the free Lions at Large trail across the county.
With more than 30 large lion sculptures and 52 adorable little cubs on display for over three months, the stunning sculptures were each designed by local and national artists to celebrate Gloucestershire’s rich history, culture and diversity.
And now you can see them for the final time, as the purr-fect pride descends on Cheltenham Racecourse for its last hurrah, with every big cat on show at the farewell exhibition in October 2025, before some of the sculptures go up for auction to raise money for Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity’s Big Space Cancer Appeal.
Fundraising for a new state-of-the-art cancer care centre at Cheltenham General Hospital, the exhibition takes place on Friday 3, Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 October at Cheltenham Racecourse, with the auction taking place at Gloucester Cathedral on Thursday 9 October 2025.
The pride has captivated families across Gloucestershire since July, with all 32 large lions, together with three little lion cubs, all now looking for their fur-ever homes at the auction.
Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity head of income generation, Charlie Homer, said 'We’ve been absolutely blown away by the response to Lions at Large this summer. It’s been incredible to see so many people out exploring, sharing stories and making memories.
'The trail has brought colour, community and joy to Gloucestershire – and all for a very important cause. We are hugely grateful to everyone who has played a part; our presenting partners, sponsors, schools, community groups and volunteers, your support has made this experience truly unforgettable.
'Now we are looking ahead to the auction – where the pride can make its biggest roar! This will be the key moment to raise funds and we’d love to see as many people getting involved as possible. It promises to be a really special evening and we can’t wait to find out where each lion will make its forever home.'
Each sculpture starts at £3,000, with proceeds supporting the hospitals charity. Online bidding is also available now, for anyone wanting to get their paws on a unique piece of art.
Tickets to the Lions at Large Farewell exhibition are priced at £6 for adults, £3 per child (aged from two to 15) and free for under twos; or buy a family ticket for £15 (for two adults and up to three children). To book tickets for the Lions at Large Farewell, visit ticketsource.co.uk.
To register your interest for the Lions at Large auction at Gloucester Cathedral where you can place a bid to own your very own large lion or little cub, visit lionsatlarge.co.uk/events/auction.
