Marks & Spencer celebrated the birthday of Colin the Caterpillar today by unveiling a commemorative plaque at its head office in London.
The supermarket giant made a playful nod to the English Heritage Blue Plaque tradition by unveiling one for the iconic birthday cake.
We attended the event, where guests appeared to celebrate Colin the Caterpillar, who turned 36 today, August 26.
A human-sized Colin the Caterpillar was even in attendance to cut the ribbon and reveal the green plaque.
The Colin the Caterpillar plaque is next to the Percy Pig plaque in London
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Colin the Caterpillar is not the first popular M&S treat to be commemorated in this way, however, as a Percy Pig plaque has been on the building since 2022, now proudly sat next to the new addition.
The plaque read: “M&S Heritage, Colin The Caterpillar, 1990-Current. Caterpillar and cultural icon lives here”.
But there was another surprise in store for Colin, as a human-sized Percy Pig made an appearance to present him with a birthday cake – another Colin, of course – before leading the guests in a rendition of Happy Birthday.
As the festivities continued, Colin and Percy posed for pictures and guests tucked into a buffet of themed treats.
Colin the Caterpillar is a true British icon, with the indulgent chocolate cake having been a staple at birthday parties since the 1990s.
The 625g chocolate sponge roll is covered in milk chocolate and decorated with white chocolate splodges, with Colin’s instantly recognisable face completing the design.
But over the years, Colin has evolved from a birthday cake into a character in his own right, with a huge range of products now available.
The unveiling event showcased some of the range, including Colin the Caterpillar Party Time Gums, Mini Party Cakes and Colin the Caterpillar Chocolate Cookies.
Tables were decorated with Colin-themed partyware, including table covers, napkins, straws, paper cups and plates in his instantly recognisable green and yellow hues.
Percy Pig presented Colin the Caterpillar with a birthday cake
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Colin the Caterpillar and Percy Pig posed for photos as the festivities continued
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And Colin isn’t the only caterpillar in the M&S family. In 2016, M&S introduced his companion, Connie the Caterpillar, who has a similar appearance to Colin but is distinguished by her pink bow.
Connie has since spawned her own range of products, including Connie the Caterpillar Flower Power Gummies and Mini Connie the Caterpillar Cakes.
While Connie didn’t make it to the unveiling, it didn’t seem to dampen spirits for Colin.