THOUSANDS of tickets have already been snapped up for the Oor Wullie Bucket Trail’s farewell event in Dundee.
More than 3,600 were sold in the first 24 hours of going on sale.
The Oor Wullie Bucket Trail Farewell Gathering will take place between September 9 and 11 at Slessor Gardens, when all 103 statues will be together.
The 55 statues from the Bucket Trail will be joined by the 13 touring Oor Wullies and the 35 mini-statues that have been in Dundee’s libraries.
It will be the first and last time they will all have been together.
It will also be the last chance for bucket trail enthusiasts to capture a selfie and the QR code of Dreamland Wullie and Whars Wullie, who were taken away from the trail for some essential maintenance.
Neil Cooney, project manager for the trail, said: “Some of my friends and family have been delighted to secure their tickets, and people have been going bananas about it.
“The number sold within the first day shows how enthused people are.
“It’s always a worry when you organise events like this, so it’s been a big relief to know people want to come along.
“We’ve worried at every stage but every time we’ve reached the milestone, we’ve been amazed by the popularity and success.
“There aren’t many milestones left now. I think it makes us at Archie sad, as it’s been fantastic.”
He added that raising money for the Tayside Children’s Hospital may have been the aim but a wonderful unintended consequence has been the community aspect and friendly atmosphere across the city.
He said: “It’s created lots of memories that people will have forever — the social impact has been incredible.
“Yes, we want the event to be full but we also don’t want anyone to miss out on going.
“We’re keeping an eye on the sales and are going to do everything in our power to make sure everyone who wants to say goodbye can do so.”
Tickets cost £4 for adults, £2 for children (five to 16) and disabled customers, £10 for a family (two adults, two children) and under-fives go free.
All proceeds will go towards the charity’s Tayside appeal for a twin-operating theatre for Tayside Children’s Hospital.
Tickets can be bought from the Dundee City Box Office online or via 01382 434940.