NEWCASTLE (14 September 2023) – Old Eldon Square will be a haze of neon today as a sheep-inspired flash mob – or flash flock – takes over the square between 12.30pm-1pm.
Evoking Jane Fonda, the dance troupe is inspired by the Elavon-sponsored Sheep-Fit statue, which promotes fitness and wellbeing and is part of the Shaun on the Tyne art trail. The art trail supports St Oswald’s Hospice, a charity that provides care across the northeast of England to children and adults with life-limiting conditions.
Elavon, a global payments leader with a large presence in Newcastle, teamed up with local artist Lynda Nelson to create a Shaun who has been joined by a flock of other designs across the city this summer.
Eva Paredes, Elavon’s Head of SMB UK and Ireland, says, “We wanted to support the local communities where our people live and work. St Oswald’s Hospice is a fantastic charity that provides fabulous care to people of all ages, from babies with life-shortening illnesses to adults with degenerative conditions. You can’t help but be touched by the fantastic work they do.”
“Our bright and beautiful sculpture is called Sheep-Fit and promotes fitness and wellbeing. The art trail looks absolutely wonderful and has gone down really well with locals and visitors to Newcastle. Everyone here at Elavon in Newcastle is so proud of our connection with the project.”
Elavon has almost 100 employees based at the Quorum Business Park, and provides payments for hundreds of small businesses across the northeast, including Newcastle’s Dog and Scone café.