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Monty Python statue appeal reaches £120,000 target

Eleri Griffiths
BBC News
Getty Images An old image of Terry Jones at an event. Getty Images
Terry Jones was born in Colwyn Bay, before his family left when he was five

Fundraisers have reached their £120,000 target for a statue of Monty Python star Terry Jones in less than six months.

The Python on the Prom campaign, launched by Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam on 5 September, aimed to raise funds for a bronze statue of their co-star, in his seaside hometown of Colwyn Bay, Conwy county.

Jones died from a rare form of dementia in 2020, aged 77, and his family said there had been no shortage of ideas for paying tribute to him at his birthplace.

A last-minute donation from comedian Suzy Eddie Izzard pushed the appeal past its fundraising goal, enabling artist Nick Elphick to finalise the design for a statue, which is set to be unveiled in Spring 2026.

Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam in Colwyn Bay with beach behind them
Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam launched the campaign to raise £120,000 for a statue of Terry Jones in Colwyn Bay

The Llandudno-based artist said Monty Python played a major role in his life and he hoped to best reflect Jones' personality in the piece.

Organisers have said the statue will celebrate Jones as a "comedy genius" as well as his role as a "historian, writer and film director".

Jones was born in Colwyn Bay in February 1942, and said he always felt "very Welsh" despite moving to Claygate in Surrey when he was five years old.

His grandparents ran the local amateur operatic society, and staged concerts on Colwyn Bay's pier each year.

In later life, Jones took a keen interest in the fortunes of his hometown's Victorian theatre, becoming its patron and officially re-opened Theatr Colwyn in 2011 after a £738,000 refurbishment.

In partnership with the Conwy Arts Trust, Jones' children Sally and Bill Jones led the fundraising.

Ms Jones said she is "absolutely stunned" that the £120,000 target has been hit.

"With over 1,400 donations from all over the world, people are giving whatever they can spare and overwhelmingly telling us that they loved Dad and want to be able to share in celebrating his life," she said.

"Just like me, I am sure he would have been blown away by the response."

Actress Dame Emma Thompson in a dark grey T-shirt with a picture of Terry Jones and the slogan A Python on the prom
Actress Dame Emma Thompson has supported the campaign by wearing A Python on the Prom t-shirt

Ms Jones would like to host an event on the prom once the statue has been unveiled for the whole community to attend.

"To let people know that the statue is coming and just really make it a celebration of Terry," she said.

She was "absolutely delighted" that Suzy took them past the fundraising goal.

"Suzy is a long term Python fan, and has known all of the Pythons for many years. You never know who's going to suddenly donate one day," she said.

Although there is now enough money to pay for all associated work on the statue, Ms Jones does not want to stop the fundraiser and would "really love" people to carry on donating.

She said all new donations will be split between the Conwy Arts Trust and The National Brain Appeal - two charities that were dear to her dad's heart.

"We want to make sure that dad's statue has a significant lasting legacy not only bringing visitors to north Wales but helping local people build a life in the arts and providing vital support for those with dementia and their families."

The campaign has been backed by actors Emma Thompson, Steve Coogan and the surviving members of Monty Python.

Those behind the statue campaign hope it will help the regeneration of Colwyn Bay, and attract fans of the iconic comedy troupe from around the world.