Talk on the opening day of Gromit Unleashed was unfortunately dominated by the vandalism to Poetry In Motion and Carosello.

But despite this initial disappointment, thousands of people enjoyed spotting the dogs across Bristol.

Bristol Culture’s photo gallery now contains 62 out of the 80 sculptures.

Here are some initial thoughts :

• I pity the staff in the Colston Hall and At-Bristol, with Colston Hall’s Bumble Boogie accompanied by the incessant boogie-woogie of Jools Holland – akin to torture for many – and At-Bristol’s Steam Dog accessorised with a noisy hooter.
• Having cycled and walked to every Gromit on the route so far, I have found myself being slightly disdainful of those doing the trail in the car; parking alongside the sculpture, jumping out with cameras and then straight back in the car.
• The most colourful character I have met so far was a gentleman at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club wearing a handmade tie which featured many of the gorillas from the Wow Gorillas trail.
• I visited the new Junction 3 library in Easton for the first time while completing the trail. One of Gromit Unleashed’s great benefits is introducing people to new Bristol places and neighbourhoods.
• Seeing children’s faces when they discover a new Gromit is a joy. It’s most definitely a hunt as well, with the two locations on The Downs given as just that within an expanse of green space that measures more than 400 acres.

Here’s a photo of an early favourite sculpture, Ship Shape & Bristol Fashion by Sarah Matthews on Sion Hill in Clifton: