Alnwick resident and self‑confessed hippo enthusiast, Philip Angier together with his wife Elizabeth have spent the best part of two year planning a two‑day exhibition and sale of their 1,000‑strong collection of hippo figurines, artefacts, and soft toys, lovingly amassed over 55 years.

The two‑day celebration, guaranteed to be a hippo-lot-a-fun, will take place in the Guest Hall at Alnwick Castle on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th May, from 10:00 to 16:00. 

Every penny raised will be donated to Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

Many of the hippos have individual names and stories, so the couple didn’t want to simply send them to auction. Instead, they decided to give the collection a joyful farewell celebration - a final chance for the public to see the entire herd together.

Philip’s love of hippos began in his early twenties when he rowed for Leander Club in Henley‑on‑Thames, whose mascot is a pink hippo. From there, the collection grew and never stopped growing.

Whilst many items on sale are inexpensive pocket‑money toys, some are more valuable - a few have been valued at over £100, and the collection also includes a bronze cast coffee table made by sculptor Marl Stoddart and valued at over £5,000, making it the standout piece of the event.

In addition, there will be a tombola and auction with many items donated by North East businesses.

Event organiser and hippo fan Philip Angier says:

“This will be first and only opportunity to see the entire collection gathered in one place and on display in one room. It will be a first for us too, so don’t miss it!”

Northumberland Wildlife Trust Chief Executive Mike Pratt says:

 “Philip and Elizabeth are such an inspiration to others with their love of wildlife and passion for fundraising. They have been supporters of the Trust for over thirty years, so I am delighted that money raised at the event will be a fitting legacy to their much‑loved collection.”

Entry is free.

More details are available at: Hippo-lot-a-fun fundraising event