Local sculptor brings Gully Gang to life

A Barnsley-based sculptor has squeaked a new commission to life for the UK’s newest children’s theme park.

Dan Walsh from Sculptzilla, in Tankersley, has created sculptures of the Gully Gang ready for the opening of the multi-million pound Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

Dan said: “We were thrilled to get this commission and it is great to see large projects like this one using local talent.

“We had great fun creating the Gully Gang and we have to say mice were a new one for us! We’ve worked on everything from Santa’s Sleigh to themed crazy golf courses, but a gang of mice was a first!”

The Gully Gang will take pride of place in the new theme park when Gulliver’s Valley opens its doors.

The theme park will be home to more than 50 rides and attractions including an indoor climbing centre, an indoor play area, and a Lost Jurassic World area which will be boast all kinds of dinosaurs.

Julie Dalton, managing director of Gulliver’s, said: “It is good to be able to share positive news during this extremely difficult time. As a business we are committed to working with local people wherever possible and we are really pleased with the new sculptures.

“We know that the Gully Gang will become a much-loved trio for children in South Yorkshire and for visitors from further afield. Dan has done a great job for us.

“Gulliver’s Valley will be the perfect place for families with children aged between three and 13 years old to enjoy more than 50 rides, attractions, shows, activities and experiences in themed areas filled with fun.

“Dealing with the impact of COVID-19 has made it an incredibly difficult time for everyone across the country and unfortunately, to ensure the health and safety of our staff, it has meant that we’ve had to stop construction on the Gulliver’s Valley site for the time being.

“We’re remaining positive as, while we could never have predicted the current situation, we have ample flexibility built into our schedule for unknown delays or disruption, so this existing downtime is currently not impacting on when we’ll be opening the doors. We know how excited people across the region are about Gulliver’s Valley and we understand what an important part of the local community we are so we’re pledging to keep people up to date with positive news and stories about the park.”

Gulliver’s Valley is the fourth park in the Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts family and will be a welcome addition to Gulliver’s Kingdom, in Matlock Bath, Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes and Gulliver’s World in Warrington.

For further information visit www.gulliversvalleyresort.co.uk.