A Mischief of Rats

2025 really is the Year of the Rat in Hull and East Yorkshire (apologies to the Chinese Horoscope) as a unique parade of 45 beautiful, artist decorated giant Rat sculptures creates a Pied Piper ripple of excitement across the area!

The story behind A Mischief of Rats is a very special one and has a poignant link to the work of our chosen charity, Daisy Appeal, a charity which provides life-saving technology to support people living with cancer, heart disease and dementia.

Inspiration comes from Hull band, The Rats, who were prominent on the local music scene and beyond in the late 60s and early 70s. Lead guitarist Mick Ronson, bassist Trevor Bolder and drummer Woody Woodmansey went on to form David Bowie’s ‘Spiders from Mars’.

Sadly both Mick and Trevor died of cancer, and so it is fitting that a charity focussing on the early diagnosis of cancers, heart disease and dementia should benefit from this project.

Meet Amazing Amy, our one-of-a-kind rat designed by a talented group of students from Holderness Academy. The lead artist was Emily Dodgson, a former student, who was supported by the school’s art technician, Laura McIntyre—also an alumna.

Together with Emily and Laura, eight current students brought Amazing Amy to life. Daisy, Emily, Rosie, Anna, Tahlia, Jess B, Annie, and Jessica K each took creative ownership of a section of the sculpture, incorporating elements of Hedon’s rich history into their designs.

Amazing Amy features scenes from Hedon around its base and pays tribute to pioneering aviator Amy Johnson, who famously landed at Hedon Aerodrome in 1930 — an inspiring nod to local heritage and female achievement.