Storytime Bielsko-Biała

If I were to ask you what you associate with Bielsko-Biała, your answers would probably include the names of Polish cartoon heroes created by the Bielsko Cartoon Film Studios. Although Wieczorynka (a children’s bedtime programme), of which they were the stars, has long since dropped out of the TV schedules and lost its raison d’être in the era of speciality channels and YouTube, the characters from these films still remain popular. Bielsko-Biała has not forgotten about them and is developing a Bielsko-Biała Storytime Trail. The main stops on the walk are marked by statues of the cartoon characters created in Bielsko Cartoon Film Studios.

THE STATUE OF REKSIO

In 2009 Reksio was the first to appear on the trail. The statue, depicting the dog adored by young viewers, is sited in the city centre on the square between 11 Listopada and Stanisława Stojałowskiego Streets, next to the bridge over the river Biała. It is a must-see point in Bielsko-Biała or during a walk around the city centre. It is a place where parents readily photograph their children both in the summer and in the winter, when a large illuminated figure of Reksio barks away and plays festive melodies.

STATUES OF BOLEK AND LOLEK

In 2011 the two brothers Bolek and Lolek joined Reksio on the trail. The statues depicting the famous storytime brothers were placed on Mostowa St., on the forecourt of Sfera II shopping centre. The Bolek i Lolek series is certainly a timeless hit and the figures of its characters enjoy unwavering popularity. Adults as well as children pose by these statues for souvenir photographs. Some know this cartoon from YouTube, but for others it brings back pleasant childhood memories.

STATUES OF PAMPALINI AND A HIPPOPOTAMUS

Recently, as it was at the end of 2019, the Bielsko-Biała Storytime Trail was augmented by a statue of Pampalini and a hippopotamus from the series Pampalini łowca zwierząt (Pampalini the Animal Hunter). The likeable hunter and hippo found a place for themselves near Bielsko City Hall, in the square off Bohaterów Warszawy St. The statue was created by acclaimed Bielsko sculptor Lidia Sztwiertnia. Contrary to appearances, the main character the Pampalini series fits in very well with current trends, since Pampalini is a harmless hunter who does not hurt animals.

As far as the Bielsko-Biała Storytime Trail is concerned, the city has not yet had the last word. Another statue is under way – this time linked to the series Porwanie Baltazara Gąbki (The Abduction of Balthazar Sponge) and the novel of the same name by Stanisław Pagaczewski. By the end of 2020 the figures of the Wawel Dragon and Bartłomiej Bartolini will stand at the intersection of 11 Listopada and Ratuszowa Streets.