March 24, 2026 - 306 views
Comedy legends are set to descend on the North Wales coast next month, as a new statue celebrating Terry Jones is unveiled in his hometown of Colwyn Bay.
The tribute — depicting Jones as the iconic “Nude Organist” from Monty Python’s Flying Circus — will be officially revealed on Saturday, 25 April by fellow Python stars Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam.
The event will take place on the promenade between Porth Eirias and the pier, with fans expected to travel from across the UK and beyond.
Organisers, including Theatr Colwyn and Conwy Arts Trust, promise a celebration filled with the surreal humour Jones helped pioneer — featuring Vikings, knights, a “Spam Café”, and even a “Silly Olympics” for visitors. Fans are being encouraged to dress up in true Python style.
Terry Jones, who was born in Colwyn Bay, went on to become one of the founding members of Monty Python — the groundbreaking comedy group that transformed British humour in the late 1960s and beyond. Known for its absurd sketches, sharp satire and fearless creativity, Monty Python redefined what comedy could be, influencing generations of writers, performers and filmmakers around the world.
Jones himself was at the heart of that creative force. As well as starring in many of the group’s most memorable sketches, he co-directed classic films including Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Life of Brian, bringing a bold visual style and anarchic energy that helped shape modern comedy. Away from Python, he was also a respected historian, author and children’s writer — a reflection of his wide-ranging passions.
Despite his global success, Jones maintained a strong connection to his North Wales roots. He was a long-time patron of Theatr Colwyn and regularly returned to support local arts projects, with his family describing the town as an important part of his identity.
The statue itself is the result of a hugely successful community-driven campaign. The “A Python on the Prom” fundraiser, launched in 2024, raised £120,000 in just six months with more than 1,000 donations from fans worldwide. The sculpture, created by Llandudno-based artist Nick Elphick, captures Jones in one of his most surreal roles — seated at an organ, wearing nothing but a tie, with his trademark grin.
For Colwyn Bay, the statue represents far more than a tribute to a comedy legend. It is a celebration of local heritage, creativity, and community pride — and a reminder of the town’s contribution to global culture.
Organisers say the unveiling will not only honour Jones’s legacy but also shine a spotlight on the area, supporting tourism, local artists and community engagement. Funding support from the Arts Council of Wales and Bay of Colwyn Town Council has also helped ensure the event champions creativity at a grassroots level.
Terry Jones passed away in 2020 after living with a rare form of dementia, and donations linked to the campaign continue to support both local arts initiatives and research into the condition.
As his friend Michael Palin once joked, the statue — sitting “stark naked on Colwyn Bay promenade” — is a fitting tribute to a man who always went to extraordinary lengths for comedy.
For the community he never forgot, it’s also a lasting symbol that Colwyn Bay hasn’t forgotten him either.
Photo: Copyright Paul Cooper
