A Mischief of Rats

A Mischief of Rats is a vibrant public art trail featuring 45-50 giant, artist-decorated rat sculptures across Hull and East Yorkshire, running from May 3 to August 31, 2025. Inspired by Hull musician Mick Ronson and his 1960s band The Rats, the trail honors his legacy ahead of what would have been his 80th birthday in 2026. Each 6ft-tall sculpture is uniquely designed, drawing on themes like Ronson’s music, health and medical science, rats in literature and media, maritime connections, and imaginative artistic expressions. The project, organized by the team behind successful trails like Puffins Galore, A Moth for Amy, and Larkin with Toads, aims to boost community engagement, tourism, and local businesses through increased footfall.

The trail supports The Daisy Appeal, a charity funding advanced research and equipment for cancer, heart disease, and dementia treatment at Castle Hill Hospital. A Grand Charity Auction on September 20, 2025, will sell the sculptures, potentially raising up to £250,000, with additional funds from merchandise sales. Previous trails raised significant sums: Larkin with Toads (£60,000), A Moth for Amy (£85,000), and Puffins Galore (£120,000).