Rams go into extra time as popular city centre trail gets extension

Derby Museums has announced that a popular trail, which has helped draw visitors into the city centre throughout the summer, is to be extended.

The Derby Ram Trail had been due to end on Sunday 22 August – after which the 30 five-foot-tall individually painted rams would be auctioned off to raise money for the museum.

However, it has now been announced that people will have an extra few days to enjoy the trail after being extended to Wednesday 25 August.

Tony Butler, executive director at Derby Museums, said: “The public reaction to the Derby Ram Trail has just blown us away.

“We knew it offered something unique and was a great way to showcase the artistic talent we have in this region but it really seems to have captured people’s hearts.

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“We are delighted to give everyone an extra few days to enjoy the Rams ahead of the Ram-union and them being eventually auctioned off to support the future work of Derby Museums.”

Since its launch earlier this summer, the Derby Ram Trail has been embraced by the people of Derby and visitors alike.

Each ram has been sponsored by a business or organisation, including Marketing Derby and a number of its Bondholders.

As well as providing a trail to follow, the rams have been used for various activities and competitions.

Once they disappear from Derby’s streets, the rams will be brought together for a special Ram-union weekend, taking place at Derby Museum and Art Gallery from 3 to 5 September.

It will be the final chance to see rams together in one place before they are auctioned off to raise cash for the Derby Museums’ Endowment Fund.

Taking place at the Museum of Making on Thursday 9 September, bidders will have the chance to own their very own ram at an auction conducted by Charles Hanson.

Bidders and spectators can also join online for a livestream of the event and the option to register their interest to bid by proxy / telephone.

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Tony said: “It had been a tough time for some many people so it was a real delight to see everyone out and about following the trail and we are really grateful to all of the local businesses who got behind this project and sponsored a ram, we couldn’t have done it without them.

“Don’t miss your chance to see them all gathered together and perhaps even own your own special artwork!”

The Derby Ram Trail Auction is being supported by Penguin PR.

Director Simon Burch said: “It's brilliant to know that the rams have been so popular that people want more time to visit them before they are rounded up.

“Their popularity means that there will doubtless be huge interest and big bids from buyers at the auction next month.

“We're thrilled to be the auction sponsors and can't wait to enjoy the atmosphere when Derby's colourful street rams go under the hammer.”

Tickets are still available for the Ram-union Weekend and the auctions.

To book a place at the Ram-union Weekend please click here.

For more information and to register interest for the auction please click here.