Celebrity auctioneer puts Pride under the hammer
Next month the Pride of Northampton will go under the hammer at a charity auction to raise money for the Born Free Foundation and Northampton's Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
Although it will be sad to see the Pride leave our streets celebrity auctioneer Jonty Hearnden has been recruited to help the lions make a final roar at a charity auction. As the auctioneer, Jonty will be making sure each of our beautiful lions finds a good home and raises a lot of money for two very worthy causes.
On Thursday 23 September each of the 40 members of the Pride of Northampton will be available at a charity auction at the Park Inn Hotel in the town centre and tickets are available from The Born Free Foundation. Tickets for the auction will be available for people who want to enjoy an evening at the Park Inn, including a three-course meal in their restaurant (£45) and for those who are only interested in attending the auction (£10). Ticket sales will also help to raise money for the Born Free Foundation and Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
Please visit www.bornfree.org.uk/shop/acatalog/events.html for more details about the event or to book your tickets. A guide price for the auction will be published on www.prideofnorthampton.com.
Councillor Paul Varnsverry, Northampton Borough Council cabinet member for culture said: "Sadly we will have to say goodbye to the Pride of Northampton as the lions leave our streets for the charity auction. The response to the Pride has been absolutely incredible, and the town has truly taken the lions to its heart. The charity auction is a chance to give the lions a terrific send off and raise money for two very worthy causes.
"There are still a few weeks left to enjoy the lions, which is plenty of time to enjoy these wonderful works of art on our streets before they are gone for good."
Jonty Hearnden said: "The Pride of Northampton looks fantastic and it must have been a real pleasure to have these beautiful works of art on the town's streets this summer. I will take great pride in being involved in an event that will raise a lot of money for two really good causes. Helping to auction a pride of lions will be unique, and I will make sure they all find a good home."
To find out more about the Pride of Northampton visit www.prideofnorthampton.com or find us on Facebook by searching for "Pride of Northampton".
Posted by: Northampton Borough Council
