Giraffes gather in Horsham before start of safari on Saturday

Dragon giraffe designed by Horsham Matters

Dozens of giraffes came face to face for the first time yesterday (Monday October 21) since undergoing makeovers from various businesses and people across the Horsham district.

The colourful creatures are primed to invade the town from Saturday October 26, when the Giraffe Trail will begin.

The trail is Horsham’s own safari - inviting anyone to find each of the 51 unique giraffes in the town centre.

This will follow Saturday’s giraffe parade, where the giraffes will make their way through the town centre before departing for their temporary homes.

The Giraffe Event is organised by the Rotary Club of Horsham, with support from Horsham Unlimited, Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council.

At yesterday’s showcase, Ben Hewson, the head of fundraising at Horsham Rotary, said: “It is going to be bringing a bit of life to the town on some wet afternoons, and provide something for kids for the half term.”

All the giraffes are owned by a local business or organisation and has a charity partner. They will eventually be auctioned, with the funds raised going to the charity of that giraffe.

There are more than 60 prizes to be won from the Giraffe Trail, including a 42” Sony Television donated by the Sony Centre.

For the full story, including the views of many of the giraffe designers, see this week’s (Thursday October 24) County Times.