Elephant and Castle to welcome back beloved pink elephant statue next weekend

Elephant and Castle is to see the return of its beloved elephant statue next weekend after it was taken down for restoration.

The statue, a replica of the one that stood above the Elephant and Castle pub from 1898 to 1959, was taken down earlier this year from outside the recently demolished shopping centre.

The newly restored iconic landmark will be welcomed back with a weekend of celebration for the local community. Entertainers and musicians will be performing in shopping and dining hub Castle Square, the statue’s new home, from 11am to 5pm.

Performances include “The Story of a Travelling Elephant”, written and directed by John Whelan, the artistic director of Southwark Playhouse’s People’s Company.

Traders from independent local businesses at Castle Square will also be on hand to provide food and drinks.

Entertainment, giant family games, and roaming performers will continue throughout the day on Sunday 27th June.

Organisers of the event said: “The Castle Square event will be subject to the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown and will adhere to the latest government guidance on social distancing.”