Anticipation is continuing to grow ahead of Elmer’s Big Parade next summer.

East Anglian Daily Times: Elmer is back out on his travels across Ipswich Picture: KATY SANDALLSElmer is back out on his travels across Ipswich Picture: KATY SANDALLS (Image: Archant)

And the famous patchwork elephant is now ready to meet visitors at Christchurch Mansion, in Ipswich, after arriving at his temporary home, the historic building’s Great Hall, yesterday afternoon.

He will be staying at the mansion across the weekend and will be one of the star attractions at Sunday’s Teddy Bear’s Picnic on the mansion lawn.

Elmer’s new location is less than half a mile from another famous creature, this time from Ipswich’s past, Wool-I-Am the mammoth who lives at Ipswich Museum.

Elmer will be one of 50 elephants who will be heading to the streets of Ipswich next year as part of the Elmer’s Big Parade project being organised by Wild in Art to support St Elizabeth Hospice.

East Anglian Daily Times: Carole Jones from Ipswich Borough Council and Joanne Beattie from Elmer's Big Parade Suffolk Picture:KATY SANDALLSCarole Jones from Ipswich Borough Council and Joanne Beattie from Elmer's Big Parade Suffolk Picture:KATY SANDALLS (Image: Archant)

Joanne Beattie, assistant campaign manager to Elmers Big Parade Suffolk, said: “Please do come down and see him, he’s looking forward to meeting everyone.

“We are still looking for businesses, community groups to get involved in the parade. So do get in touch with the Elmer team if you would like to join us.”

The project is the second art trail to visit the town following the success of the Pigs Gone Wild trail last year and will coincide with the 30th anniversary of both the hospice and Elmer books by David McKee.

Ipswich Borough councillor and museums portfolio holder Carole Jones said: “It will be a really exciting because the pigs were so great. It made people’s journey from A to B across town just so much more fun and interesting.

East Anglian Daily Times: Elmer will be one of many to be taking part in next year' s parade Picture: NICOLE DRURYElmer will be one of many to be taking part in next year' s parade Picture: NICOLE DRURY (Image: Archant)

“It was particularly great for families and kids. You could do the trail. It was free, it was fun and supported by local businesses.

“The council is really pleased to be involved.”

Norman Lloyd, campaign manager for St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “It is fantastic that Suffolk people are being able to get to see Elmer ahead of next year’s trail and pairing him with Wool-I-Am is an occasion not to be missed.

“There is already huge enthusiasm for Elmer’s Big Parade, which will be Suffolk’s largest mass participation event, not only will it be a truly wonderful spectacle, but importantly will also generate much needed support for the vital work of St Elizabeth Hospice.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Elmer will be staying in the Mansion for the next few days Picture: KATY SANDALLSElmer will be staying in the Mansion for the next few days Picture: KATY SANDALLS (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Carole Jones and Joanne Beattie with Elmer the Elephant Picture: NICOLE DRURYCarole Jones and Joanne Beattie with Elmer the Elephant Picture: NICOLE DRURY (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Elmer will be the star guest at this weekend's teddy bear's picnic Picture: NICOLE DRURYElmer will be the star guest at this weekend's teddy bear's picnic Picture: NICOLE DRURY (Image: Archant)