Yorkshire Water is set to reveal some of the truly disgusting items that have been causing blockages in the region’s sewers with a pop-up exhibition at The Alhambra Shopping Centre in Barnsley next week. On Wednesday 12th February, visitors will get a unique opportunity to explore ‘The Cabinet of Curiosities’, a gallery that features some of the most bizarre and stomach-turning objects removed from pipes by Yorkshire Water’s blockages team. Alongside the usual culprits like wipes, sanitary items, and grease, the exhibition will showcase more obscure finds such as cuddly toys, boots, and even frying pans. The aim is to shed light on what causes these blockages and to help the public understand how they can play a role in preventing them.
In this ‘dirty’ exhibition, Yorkshire Water is showcasing the un-flushable fats and foreign objects that have found their way into the sewage system, presented in an unexpectedly artistic form. The display will feature real-life blockage items pulled from Yorkshire’s sewers, giving visitors a first-hand look at just how strange some of these discoveries can be. Guests will also have the chance to pick up free goody bags with helpful information on how to prevent blockages, as well as learn more about the company’s investment in the Barnsley area.
In addition to these exhibits, attendees will meet Yorkshire Water’s friendly mascot, the Wipesaur, who will remind everyone of the importance of not flushing inappropriate items. James Harrison, head of customer field services at Yorkshire Water, explained, “In our Cabinet of Curiosities, customers will discover a small part of the world our wastewater team deals with every day. From fats, oils, and greases, to wipes and the even more bizarre – you may be surprised to discover what ends up in our pipes.”
The exhibition aims to raise awareness of the serious consequences of blockages, which are costly to remove and can cause flooding and pollution that harms the environment. By educating the public on what should – and shouldn’t – be flushed, Yorkshire Water hopes to prevent further damage to the region’s sewage system.
The event will take place on Wednesday, 12th February, from 9:00am to 5:30pm at The Alhambra Shopping Centre, Barnsley, S70 1SB, on the lower level outside Iceland and Poundstretcher. Don’t miss the chance to step into the dirtiest exhibition in Yorkshire and discover what’s really lurking in the sewers.
