Lincoln IMP Trail 2021 - 32nd Imp

Along with the launch of the Education Trail this weekend, today the design of a 32nd Imp is being launched at Grimsby Minster.

The Grimsby Imp is the 32nd imp to join the ranks of our other 31 imps that landed in the county last weekend and visitors touring the Lincoln Imp trail will be encouraged to find the 32nd imp within Grimsby.

Sarah Loftus, Chief Executive of Lincoln BIG said ‘It’s great to add this 32nd Imp to the Main Imp trail and a new addition along with the Education Imps being Launched today. This shows true partnership working with the creative sector in Lincolnshire. Many people will not know that there is an IMP hiding in Grimsby Minister as well as in Lincoln Cathedral. Hopefully, this addition to our programme will bring more interest to the IMP Trail

“This project has the ability to unite the city during this really challenging time, it will bring something positive to both residents, workers and businesses this year.”

Charlie Langhorne, MD and Co-Founder of Wild in Art said “How exciting that the Lincoln Imp Trail has an additional sculpture. just goes to show that once the Imps are out you can never be quite sure what mischief the Imps get up to. We hope everyone is enjoying the Imp trail and this additional imp will add to the fun.”

Grimsby Minster is home to the Grimsby Imp. If you look very carefully you might spot the cheeky imp hiding in the stonework within the minster. Look high and low, look everywhere you go, the Grimsby imp is not easy to find.

The legend of the imps tells us the story that begins with two imps. They flew about, looking for mischief. Firstly, the imps went to Chesterfield and twisted the church spire. Chased away by the angels, the imps then flew over to Lincoln, where they tried to trip up the Bishop in the Cathedral. An angel appeared and asked the imps to stop. One of the imps threw stones at the angel, the other imp hid. The angel turned the first imp into stone. The imp that didn’t throw stones, was given a chance by the angel and allowed to fly away. The imp flew to Grimsby.

Grimsby Minster is working with Creative start, who have skillfully designed the Grimsby imp artwork.

The Grimsby imp design is reflective of the women working within the frozen fish industry in the 50s and 60s. Grimsby is now one of the largest and busiest fish processing operations in Europe. The resource and resilience of the Grimsby people, delivering a world class process, something to be very proud of. Just like this mighty and magnificent Minster.

The Grimsby Imp will help with the challenge of raising £28,000 to repair the Minster clock. Grateful thanks to Lincoln Big for enabling the minster to support the EBP education pack and St Barnabas Hospice. Painting of the Imp will take place at the Minister Café all next week.

Residents and businesses can follow the progress of the Trail on www.lincolnimptrail.co.uk and www.lincolnbig.com.