The Barnsley Kes Group and actor David ‘Dai’ Bradley are eager to get a copy of Graham Ibbeson’s 2021 statue installed in Leicester Square, London.

Permission has already been granted by the ‘Statues-In-The-Square’ organisers but we still need to raise £55,000 to pay for a replica, plinth, installation, maintenance and promotion of events on the day of unveiling.

But what a fantastic boost it will be to our town and to working class people everywhere, to see Billy Casper sitting alongside other iconic sculptures - such as Mary Poppins - at the heart of British cinema.

And what a day it will be in 2028 when hundreds of Barnsley people travel to London to witness the unveiling and join in the 'red-carpet' celebrations.

Casper, and his kestrel, deserve their place in Leicester Square because ‘Kes’ was voted the seventh best British film in history by the British Film Institute. Moreover, Danny Boyle used a clip for the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games - to showcase everything that is great about British culture.

The importance of Kes is proven by the many household names that say the film fundamentally changed their lives. These include Samantha Morton, Stephen Graham, David Thewliss, Christopher Ecclestone, Daniel Day-Lewis, Jarvis Cocker, Cillian Murphy and many more.

This project is fully endorsed and supported by David Bradley, the actor known for his role of Billy Casper in the film, Kes.

This is non profit-making community project.

Additionally, take a look at our shop , all purchases will go towards the fundraising.